GuarT
GuarT, also known as guar gum, is a natural thickening and stabilizing agent derived from the guar plant, Cyamopsis tetragonoloba. It is a polysaccharide, specifically a galactomannan, consisting of a linear chain of mannose units with galactose side chains. Guar gum is widely used in the food industry as a thickener, stabilizer, and emulsifier, as well as in the pharmaceutical and cosmetics industries for similar purposes. It is particularly valued for its ability to improve the texture and mouthfeel of food products without altering their taste or nutritional value. Guar gum is non-toxic and generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by regulatory authorities. It is typically produced by extracting the gum from the guar plant's seeds, which are then ground and processed to obtain the gum powder. The extraction process involves soaking the seeds in water, followed by grinding and filtration to separate the gum from the other components. Guar gum is available in various forms, including powder, granules, and pre-gelatinized forms, to suit different application requirements. Its versatility, stability, and effectiveness make guar gum a popular choice in various industries for enhancing the quality and functionality of products.