Xanthan is one of the most extensively investigated polysaccharides. It is high in
molecular weight (1-2 million) and is produced by a pure culture fermentation of a carbohydrate
by naturally occurring bacterium Xanthomonas compestris. It is then purified by recovery with
alcohol, dried and milled. Xanthan is completely soluble in hot or cold water, hydrates quickly
once dispersed and provides water binding resulting in very high viscosity solutions at low
concentration. Its rheological behavior enables xanthan to contribute to good sensory qualities,
including mouth-feel and flavor release in food.