Locust bean gum

2024 Author: Isabella Gilson | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:14

The carob tree belongs to the legume family, it grows in the Mediterranean, Egypt and India. This evergreen plant is considered sacred by many peoples because it has a number of rare properties. The Bible mentions carob as a food rich in nutritional properties and having a unique taste. In addition, no harmful insects start up in the trunk or crown of the tree, which is why it is considered that it has purity and holiness. It blooms in autumn, which is a rarity for Mediterranean plants. The pods develop from the female flowers and are brown in color and up to 12 centimeters long. In addition to the seeds, the pod contains a juicy pulp, consisting mainly of sugary substances.

An amazing property of carob beans is that they always have the same weight of 0.2 grams, which is why in ancient times they were used as a measure of the weight (carat) of precious metals and stones.

Locust bean gum was made from the pulp of the fruit, which is widely used in many areas.

Useful properties

The components contained in the fruits of the carob tree have found their application in medicine and in cooking. Among the nutritional and beneficial elements, a special place is occupied by B vitamins and trace elements, such as potassium and calcium. In addition to them, the fruits consist of various kinds of sugars, tannins and organic substances, protein, pectins and starch. Tannins have a beneficial effect on digestion, and they also maintain the optimal bacterial composition of the intestinal microflora. Locust bean gum is the active ingredient in many drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, to prevent diarrhea attacks and reduce nausea. Such funds can also be used in pediatrics, as they do not have any special side effects on the body.

Use in cooking and food industry

Derived from the fruit, locust bean gum is used in the food industry as a food additive (E410). It plays the role of a sweetener, stabilizer and thickener, gives the finished product viscosity and, for example, in ice cream or sorbet, prevents the formation of crystals and gives stability to the mass with a sharp increase in temperature. In the manufacture of flour products, gum gives the dough softness, and the finished product retains freshness for a long time, is easy to cut, does not crumble and does not get stale for a long time. When combined with other food additives, locust bean gum acquires new properties, such additives include the following: pectin, guar and xanthan gum. From beansMediterranean people brew a warming anti-cold drink that tastes like cocoa.

Use in cosmetology

Locust bean extract, powder and gum are widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics. The powder plays the role of a thickener and gives the necessary viscosity to the product. The extract and gum have moisturizing properties and retain moisture well, they soften and moisturize the skin. In addition, being an antioxidant, the extract actively fights acne and removes toxins, has a stimulating and regenerating effect, which gives impetus to the growth of new cells.