Guar gum is an agro product that is derived from the endosperm of the guar (cluster) bean. A mechanical process of roasting, differential attrition, sieving and polishing take place to separate the gum part from the seed which is further powdered for utility. It can swell up to 10-20x due to its high water holding capacity and gel-forming ability. Commonly known as guar gum, it is an economic additive for a wide range of applications in the food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and textile, paper and oil and gas industries.
Due to its ability to form a thick solution with water it finds its wide range of applications. Being natural and clean the guar gum powders valuable properties are extensively used in food sectors. A hydrogen bond with water molecules, it is handy for industrial applications. Its incorporation in any aqueous based formula imparts tonnes of benefits. It becomes the product of choice for the food processing industry as it is economic and highly effective hydrocolloid with many properties. Some of those are:
- It is a thickener and controls viscosity.
- It is a good suspending agent.
- It retains the water, hence extends the shelf life.
- It enhances the flavour release and adds to the quality.
- It stabilises the texture and also provides greater mouth-feel.
We find gums involved in our daily lives and guar is one of the major ones. Many cuisines and food items use the additive as a gelling agent and a crystallisation medium that gives it extra volume. This versatile polymer can also be used as a highly soluble dietary fibre when partially hydrolysed. Guar gum powder also has multiple health benefits such as reducing the blood cholesterol and blood glucose along with keeping the metabolism in check. It also regulates bowel moments which prevents constipation. Because it is a polysaccharide; a source of energy, guar gum stands out from other additives, which is a source of energy. A small amount of guar gum powder can produce sufficient viscosity and used as an emulsifier because it stops oil droplets from blending. This additive has eight times water-thickening potency of corn-starch. Here is how guar gum powder is used in various areas in the food industry.
Baking: For baked products, guar gum supplies are used as a stabiliser and a thickening agent. Due to its water-retaining capacity, it is highly effective in increasing the thickness of the dough batter. This also increases the product shelf life and improves quality by enhancing the softness of baked goods such as bread. It is helpful in baking gluten-free products as they provide the necessary amount of emulsification to bind the liquid and solid ingredients together. The hydrocolloid also helps with dispersing the pastry filling evenly.
Kefir and Dairy products: Kefir is fermented milk that is very similar to yogurt is prepared from immunising cow, sheep and goat milk with kefir grains. The kefir grains are later fermented overnight at room temperatures that give out a carbonated, sour alcoholic-beverage taste with a very similar consistency to yogurt. Guar gum powder is added as a thickening agent to maintain the texture and homogeneity of ice creams. The guar gum supplies are added in ice creams to keep them from melting. Only 0.2-0.5% of guar gum powder is used to make ice creams.
Packaged food: packed and processed condiments like mayonnaise, ketchup and salad dressing have oil, egg yolk, lemon juice, vinegar and seasonings in them. Mayonnaise and ketchup are an emulsion of two liquids that may not stick together if the other ingredients are added as per preference. Guar gum powder acts as a water-binding and thickening agent which is necessary to provide viscosity. It improves the texture, enhances the flavour in granola as well as making along with making it healthier. The hydrocolloid is present in juices in cartons and fruit sherbets as it holds the mixture of oil and sugar together.
Guar gum supplies are efficient and cost-effective. With its myriad industrial uses, guar gum powder and guar gum supplies will always hold a stand in the market. We, at Sarda Bio Polymers, are devoted to producing to-notch guar gum powder that earned a name in the global market. Our deep stick research and approach in the hydrocolloid market has garnered the title of ‘Gum Specialists’. We value our customers and are committed to providing all our services for industrial applications worldwide.