Guar Gum is derived from the ground endosperm of Cyamopsis Tetragonolobus, a plant of the Leguminosae family. The plant grows to about 1-2 metres high with vertical stalks. The seed pods, about 15 cm long, grow on these stalks and hold 6-9 seeds which are about 2-3 mm in diameter. Roughly, 14-16% of the seed is the hull, 38-45% is the endosperm and 40-46% germ. The crop is sown after the first rains in June/July and is harvested after 3-4 months. It is a hardy, drought resistant crop that requires moderate rainfall at regular intervals
Manufacturing Process
The Guar Seed is broken to get 2 halves referred to as Guar splits. Dehusking of the splits is achieved through heating, grinding, polishing and sieving. The endosperm is separated from the germ through sieving and is then hydrated, pulverised and dried to make a powder according to physical, chemical and microbiological specifications.
Applications of Guar Gum
Ice-Creams/Sorbet/Popsicles:
It is useful to stabilize ice creams especially in short time, high temperature processes preventing any variation in viscosity. It gives a dry feel and slows melt down in ice creams, sorbets and popsicles.
Bakery:
Adding it to the dough increases yield, gives better/softer texture, improves handling and increases shelf life.
Pet Food:
Its ability to act as a thickener proves useful as a process aid during pet food production.
Meat:
In meat products, it acts as a lubricant and also prevents loss of weight during storage by binding moisture.
Paper Industry:
It is used as a wet end additive in the papermaking process. It improves sheet formation and physical properties.
Mining Industry:
It aids in the ore concentration process by depressing gangue material during froth flotation. As a settling agent it improves the settling rate of suspended solids in slimes. It lumps together small particles in slimes resulting in better filtration.
Cosmetics:
It thickens creams and lotions.
Explosives:
It is added to explosive mixes as its ability to swell and seal out water helps retains the properties of the mix even in wet conditions.
Oil well drilling:
It acts as a stabilizer and is used to control water flow and the flow of drilling mud.
Grades:
Guar Gum is offered in both food and industrial grade with particle size ranging from 40 mesh to 300 mesh and viscosity ranging from ultra low (50cps) to ultra high (7000 cps).