Chemical composition and functional properties of Gleditsia triacanthos gum

The seeds of Gleditsia triacanthos (Fabaceae) are a source of galactomannans with a variable mannose:galactose (Man:Gal) ratio that depends on the isolation and purification methods. In this study, three processes were used: (1)—treatment with boiling water (M1); (2)—concentration with boiling 2 N NaOH (M2) and (3)—swelling with water and later manual removal of the endosperm (M3). The functional properties of the hydrocolloids obtained by the three isolating methods were compared with those exhibited by xanthan and guar gums, which are widely used as food additives. The product obtained by boiling water (M1) had the lowest yield, although that hydrocolloid showed high water absorption capacity and solubility, high emulsifying and foaming capacities, and imparted high stability to the dispersions (foams and emulsions). These properties could be influenced by its high Man:Gal ratio and protein content.