About Guar

Guar

Guar, also known as Cluster Bean (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus), is a drought-resistant leguminous crop cultivated for its seeds, green fodder, vegetables and green manure. This annual plant typically reaches a height of approximately 4 feet, featuring vertical stalks, large leaves, and clusters of pods. Each pod measures about 5-8 cm in length and contains an average of 6-9 small, greyish-white, pea-shaped seeds.

Guar thrives in sandy soils and requires moderate, intermittent rainfall coupled with ample sunshine. The crop is sown following the initial rains in July and is harvested between October and November. As a short-duration crop, guar is ready for harvest within 3-4 months of sowing. Being rain-dependent, the yield of guar is significantly influenced by rainfall patterns.

The seeds of guar comprise a seed coat, endosperm and germ. The crop holds substantial industrial importance due to its galactomannan-rich endosperm (splits) and the protein-rich germ and husk (guar korma and churi).

Guar Gum Powder

Primarily Guar gum powder is the ground endosperm of the seeds from Cluster Bean, mainly consisting of high molecular weight (50,000-8,000,000) polysaccharides composed of galactomannans; the mannose:galactose ratio is about 2:1. The seeds are crushed to eliminate the germ, the endosperm is dehusked, milled and screened to obtain the ground endosperm i.e. native guar gum powder.

The main properties of Guar gum powder are:

  • It is white to cream coloured powder, soluble in hot & cold water but insoluble in most organic solvents.
  • Non-ionic in nature.
  • It has excellent thickening and stabilizing properties.
  • It has excellent ability to control rheology by water phase management.
  • The viscosity of guar gum is influenced by temperature, pH, salt and other solids.

Applications of Guar Gum Products

Guar Plant

Guar Seed

Guar Endosperm (Splits)

Guar Gum Powder