Locust bean gum

Carob is a family of legumes, it grows in the Mediterranean, Egypt and India. This is an evergreen plant many peoples consider sacred, because it has a number of rare properties. In the Bible, the carob fruits are mentioned as a product rich in nutritional properties and possessing a unique taste. In addition, no harmful insects are planted in the trunk or in the tree crown , because of which it is believed that it has purity and holiness. It blooms in autumn, which is a rarity for Mediterranean plants. Beans develop from female flowers, they are brown, and their length reaches 12 centimeters. In addition to the seeds in 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 (karat) of precious metals and stones.

From the pulp of fruits was produced locust bean gum, which was widely used in many areas.

Beneficial features

The components contained in locust bean fruit have found their application in medicine and in cooking. Among the nutritious and useful elements a special place is occupied by vitamins of group B and microelements, such as potassium and calcium. In addition, the fruit consists of various kinds of sugars, tannins and organic substances, protein, pectins and starch. Tannins have a beneficial effect on digestion, and they support the optimal bacterial composition of the intestinal microflora. Locust bean carob is an active substance of many drugs for the treatment of diseases associated with the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, to prevent attacks of diarrhea and reduce nausea. Such funds can be used in pediatrics, as they do not have special side effects on the body.

Use in cooking and food industry

Obtained from fruits, locust bean gum is used in the food industry as an additive to food (E410). It plays the role of 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 sudden increase in temperature. When making flour products, the gum gives the dough softness, and the finished product keeps its freshness for a long time, it is easily cut, does not crumble and does not harden for a long time. In combination with other food additives, locust bean gum acquires new properties, such additives include pectin, guar and xanthan gum. From the beans the inhabitants of the Mediterranean brew a warming anti-cold drink, to taste it looks like cocoa.

Application in cosmetology

Extract, powder and gum carob are widely used in the manufacture of cosmetics. Powder plays the role of thickener and gives the necessary viscosity to the product. Extract and gum have moisturizing properties and well retain moisture, they soften and moisturize the skin. In addition, as an antioxidant, the extract actively fights against acne and removes toxins, has a stimulating and regenerating effect that gives a boost to the growth of new cells.