Blockwise de-esterified citrus pectin with targeted degree of esterification (DE) values of 55% (55P) or 35% (35P) formed hydrogels to encapsulate curcumin and were evaluated by in vitro dissolution study. Encapsulation efficiency of the modified pectins and commercial low-methoxyl pectin (LMP) were above 99%. Pectin molecular weight and -potential decreased with charge modification. Release rates of curcumin in simulated digestive media were less than 2% in any of the pectin hydrogels. Charge modification of pectin with PME or chemical saponification is a viable method to tailor pectins for phytochemical encapsulation. The study to determine the effects of pectin on inhibition of adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) at 100 g/mL had inhibitory effects on lipid content. Pectins did not have significant influence on cell viability; combinations of curcumin and pectin did not have an effect on lipid accumulation.