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What Is Carob Bean Gum?

Carob bean gum comes from the carob (locust) tree, Ceratonia siliqua, a large leguminous evergreen originating in the countries of the Mediterranean. The tree is now grown widely in warm climates, including the southwestern United States.

  1. Manufacture

    • The seed coat of the carob is very hard and difficult to process. Roasting in a furnace or treatment with sulfuric acid and heat will remove the seed coat. Once peeled, the kernels are dried and the endosperm (the tissue within the seeds that provides nourishment) is crushed. Further purification by alcohol, filtering, drying and milling produces clarified carob bean gum.

    Food Ingredient

    • Carob bean gum is approved as an additive in a wide range of foods, from dairy products and fat spreads to vegetables, confectionery, breakfast cereals and beer. The gum is used as a thickener and to alter the texture and viscosity of food products.

    Medicinal Uses

    • According to healthline.com, carob bean gum may aid reduction of cholesterol, blood sugar levels and bowel transit time, and aid treatment of gastrointestinal conditions.

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