By Jenna Shaw

Locust Bean Gum

Locust Bean Gum is a cost effective vegetable gum extracted from the seeds of a Carob Tree and is also know as Carob Gum, located mostly in the Mediterranean region. It is used as a stabiliser and thickening agent like Xanthan Gum and comes in the form of a white/yellow powder. The powder is odourless and has a very bland taste. Locust Bean Gum has many uses and is also used in non food products such as tobacco, textile and manufacturing, cosmetics and pet food.

Locust Bean powder has a similar taste to cocoa powder and contains less fat, less calories and provides more fiber. When used in food it is a great substitute sweetener and can be substituted for chocolate. It has been used in salad dressings, ice cream, cheese, mayonnaise, tomato catsup, fruit juice, bread pie, filling and syrups. It is used in ice cream to prevent ice crystals from forming and give more texture.

Locust Bean Gum in the Kitchen

We have found that when using the gum to bake cookies, the gum gives the cookies a nice crunchy texture, gives a nice sweet buttery taste and seems to round out the overall taste. When baking cakes in the kitchen we noticed that we could use less eggs and using the gum resulted in a firmer textured cake that was more easily cut. The cake was also really easy to remove from the baking pan.

Benefits of Locust Bean Gum

• It can be used as a natural dietary appetite suppressant which can help you lose weight
• The gum is high in fibre and low in calories with a sweet taste
• Cost effective substitute to Xanthan Gum
• Can be used with Xanthan Gum to fortify the strength and elasticity
• Used as a thickening agent and stabiliser
• Protein rich nutrient supplement
• Enhances the texture of food
• Carob does not contain caffeine

Side Effects of Locust Bean Gum

• Excess intake of the gum can cause diarrhoea

There are many benefits to using the gum and it is a safe, healthy and cost effective substitute to Xanthan Gum. There are many places to purchase the gum. If you are interested in locating a local supplier than keep tuned into this blog as we will be posting a list of the best suppliers available very soon. If you or someone in your family has a gluten problem then why not try out the substitute in your next baking experience and drop us a comment below to let us know how you get on.

 

Author: Jenna