Characterization of Tara Gum

Tara gum is the galactomannan obtained from the seed of Tara shrub, Caesalpinia spinosa, mostly found in northern Africa and Peru of South America. The main polysaccharide chain is formed of (1 4)-llnked 3-D-mannopyranosyl units, with single a-D-galactopyranosyl units attached with average three main chain units via (1 6]-linkages. Molecular weight of tara gum may fall between 300,000 and 1,000,000. It is 70% soluble in cold water and hydrated 100% at temperature above 80°C showing pseudoplastic behavior in solution. 

Konjac flour is a glucomannan obtained from the tuber of Amorphophallus konjac grown in Asia. The polysaccharide chain is 

---