Locust Bean Gum
Locust Bean Gum or Carob Bean Gum is processed from the seeds of the locust bean tree known as Ceratonia silique, which is widely cultivated in the Mediterranean area. These seeds, or kernels, are the commercial source of Locust Bean Gum, although only part of the seed is useful for that purpose. The center of the seed is composed of a hard yellow embryo germ portion (25% to 30%) that is surrounded by a large layer of white semi-transparent endosperm (35% to 45%). This whole mass is covered by a tenacious dark brown husk, or outer coating (30% to 35%). Production of a high-quality locust bean gum involves efficient removal of the outer husk, and the separation of the endosperm from the germ. The seeds must first be conditioned and then dehusked and degerminated by various milling operations. The pure endosperm is then ground into a fine flour.
When Locust Bean Gum is dispersed in cold water, raising the temperature of the dispersion causes a temporary decrease in viscosity which is followed by a sharp increase. The increase, which begins at a temperature of about 45°C, continues as the insoluble aggregates are more completely hydrated. The highest viscosity is obtained by dispersing the gum into water which has been heated to 95°C, then cooled. Locust Bean Gum is compatible with other hydrocolloids as well as carbohydrates and proteins.
Locust Bean Gum is extremely versatile as thickener or viscosity modifier, a binder of free water, a suspending agent and a stabilizer.
There are several grades of Locust Bean Gum available based on different viscosities. Gumix International’s Locust Bean Gum grades are all-natural, Kosher, Halal, GMO-free, gluten-free, and vegan. Gumix International also supplies certified organic grades. Gumix International’s Locust Bean Gum complies with clean label, as well as with Food Chemicals Codex (FCC), European Pharmacopoeia (EP), British Pharmacopoeia (BP), JSSFA, JECFA, and E410 requirements.
Applications
Cheese
Ice Cream
Bakery
Pie Fillings
Meat
Sauces
Salad Dressings
Condiments
Dessert Gels
Soup bases
Frozen Desserts
Frozen Batters
Milk Shakes
Sherbet
Yogurt
Sour Cream
Whipping Cream
Buttermilk
Pet Foods
Pharmaceuticals
Nutraceuticals
Cosmetics
Paper
Textiles
Tobacco
Carpets
Mining
Applications
Cheese
Ice Cream
Bakery
Pie Fillings
Meat
Sauces
Salad Dressings
Condiments
Dessert Gels
Soup bases
Frozen Desserts
Frozen Batters
Milk Shakes
Sherbet
Yogurt
Sour Cream
Whipping Cream
Buttermilk
Pet Foods
Pharmaceuticals
Nutraceuticals
Cosmetics
Paper
Textiles
Tobacco
Carpets
Mining