SYNONYMS
Peruvian carob; INS No. 417
DEFINITION
Obtained by grinding the endosperm of the seeds of
Caesalpinia spinosa
(Fam.
Leguminosae
); consists chiefly of polysaccharides of high molecular
weight composed mainly of galactomannans. The principal component
consists of a linear chain of (1,4)-beta-D-mannopyranose units with alpha-
D-galacto- pyranose units attached by (1 6) linkages; the ratio of mannose
to galactose in tara gum is 3:1. (In carob bean gum this ratio is 4:1 and in
guar gum 2:1.) The article of commerce may be further specified as to
viscosity and loss on drying.