 |
What is Cassia Gum? |
 |
Cassia gum is manufactured from the endosperm of Senna obtusifolia (also called Cassia obtusifolia or Cassia Tora). It is mainly used as a thickener and gelling agent in foods and pet foods. Cassia grows mainly in subtropical regions and grows mostly wild and occasionally cultivated. |
|
|
Why is Cassia Gum used in food products? |
|
Cassia gum can form gels with other colloids like Carrageenan and Xanthan and is therefore used in the manufacture of gels in the food and pet food applications in combination of other colloids. |
|
|
What is Cassia Gum comprised of? |
|
Cassia Gum is comprised of at least 75% polysaccharide consisting primarily of a linear backbone chain of mannose with side galactose units The ratio of Mannose : Galactose is about 5: 1. |
|
Why is Cassia Gum used for pet food? |
|
Cassia Gum is approved for use in Europe and is listed as a stabilizer, thickening and gelling agent in the manufacture of canned pet foods for cats and dogs. It is also approved for use in Japan and is listed as a food additive. The available data on Cassia Gum and structurally related gums demonstrate a lack of toxic effect in animals. |
|
What are the main applications of Cassia Gum? |
|
Cassia gum is very useful in the manufacture of gels in combination of other colloids and has potentially many food applications. Cassia powder swells in water and forms high-viscosity aqueous colloids after it is boiled. It is used as a thickening agent in pet food and other technical applications for example emulsification, foam stabilization, moisture retention and texture improvement at concentrations comparable to those of other edible natural gums. |
