Lucid Colloids Ltd.

®
Food Grade Guar Gums

General Applications:

Edicol® properties to rapidly hydrate in cold water and yield

high viscosities; its pseudoplastic rheology and its relative
stability over a wide pH and temperature range make it a highly
efficient and cost effective ingredient in many food stability
systems. Any food requiring the scientific management of its
water phase is a potential application for Edicol®. Edicol® is
used as a stabiliser, thickener, viscosifier, rheology control
agent, bodying and suspension agent, texture and consistency
modifier etc.

Edicol® brings about stabilisation, often in combination with other

hydrocolloids, by modifying and controlling the behaviour of water in a
food or feed. Edicol® may act as the primary or supporting stabiliser
ingredient. In various frozen dairy and non-dairy products like ice-creams,
ice-milk, ice candies, sherbets, milk shakes etc., Edicol®, either alone or
in combination with other hydrocolloids like Carrageenan and Locust
bean gum is used to prevent the formation of ice crystals during freeze-
thaw cycles, to impart a smooth and creamier texture to the product, to
increase overrun and improve chewiness. Edicol® prevents quick
meltdown and increases shelf life.

In cottage cheese dressings, Edicol® promotes curd integrity by lubricity

and binds the free water to yield a homogeneous stable product. In soft
cheese products, processed cheese spreads and dips, the use of
Edicol® helps eliminate syneresis and improve texture and flavour due to
better control of moisture and fat/oil migration. Edicol® also increases
yield, aids drainage and imparts a soft, compact and tender texture to
recovered curd.

In various baked goods, the use of Edicol® promotes a dough

having excellent film properties, particularly in low gluten flours.
Baked goods like rolls and breads with Edicol® have an improved
shelf life due to better moisture retention, softer textures and
higher, loaf volume on baking. Cake and biscuit dough's benefit
by incorporating Edicol® leading to better softness, better mould
release and less crumbling during slicing. In dry cake mixes,
Edicol® offers several advantages it aids one step mixing, gives
shorter batter mix time, yields improved internal structure,
prolongs shelf life, improves application of icings and frostings and
permits freezing of the cake.

The use of Edicol® in juices, nectars and syrups helps in the homogenous
dispersion of pulp during filling and storage. Edicol® also leads to improved
mouthfeel in these products. In fruit based beverages, Edicol® helps in solids
suspension and can be effectively combined with emulsifiers to prevent
separation of flavour oils in the container.

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 Lucid Colloids Ltd.
®
Food Grade Guar Gums
In canned foods and canned pet-foods, Edicol® is widely used as a viscosifier,
processing aid and protective colloids. Edicol® offers the advantages of less
wastage due to splattering during the working process, easier pumping of
finished product to filling equipment, less splashing and therefore more accurate
control during can filling and a homogeneous dispersion of solids in the liquid
phase throughout the filling process. The finished goods augmented with
Edicol® exhibit good storage stability as there is no migration of fat, and the
water and solids are maintained in a good emulsion state. In canned pet-foods, removal of the
product from the can is also easier due to the friction reducing properties that Edicol® imparts. A
partial replacement of starch and flour with Edicol® in canned foods helps to reduce sterilisation
and cooling time since it acts as a protective colloid to reduce starch retrogradation.

Edicol® is used as an effective viscosifier in soups, sauces and gravies, either alone or in comb
nation with Xanthan gum and is complimentary to the use of starches. Edicol® helps provide a
uniform viscosity to the product over a wide temperature range and imports good cling to sauces
and gravies.

In pourable salad dressings, Edicol® is often used with Xanthan gum and
Propylene Glycol Alginate. Edicol® helps to enhance the mouthfeel,
gives controlled pourability, suspension of solids and improved cling. Due
to Edicol® excellent cold and hot water solubility, it can be very
effectively used in instant products like soup and sauce mixes, instant
drinks and desserts.

Edicol® is also used in various restructured or fabricated foods for better water retention and paste
workability and integrity before the final structuring of the fabricated food. Edicol® is also used as
an additive in food extrusion applications due to its excellent water holding and friction reducing
capabilities.

Edicol® is also used in the preparation of noodles and pasta products; in

pickles and relishes and in canned seafood. Fish feed formulations
incorporate Edicol® in the dry-mix which aids in the making of an
excellent homogeneous fish feed paste when reconstituted with water
and fresh minced fish. Edicol® is also used as a binder in feed pellets.

Edicol®, besides its major function of water retention, viscosifying and thickening is also finding
increased use in foods as a source of natural water-soluble fibre; to improve mouthfeel and texture
in low fat/no fat foods (specially in combination with certain starches and other hydrocolloids like
microcrystalline cellulose); in slimming aids and dietetic foods; in products requiring “all natural”
labelling; as a binder, film former and protective colloids; as a stabiliser in sour dairy products.

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 Lucid Colloids Ltd.
®
Food Grade Guar Gums

General Properties

Edicol® is one of the most cost effective and

efficient water soluble polymers known. It
forms highly viscous solutions at low
concentrations. It exhibits Non-Newtonian
rheological properties and yields acid
reversible gels with Borax. Due to the unique
properties of this gum, it finds wide application
in foods, pet-foods and feeds.

Edicol® is a plant seed hydrocolloid - a cold and hot water soluble galactomannan polysaccharide
derived from the seeds of the Guar plant 'Cyamopsis Tetragonalobus". Chemically, it is composed
of a beta 1-4 linked linear mannose backbone chain with single galactose side unit on
approximately every other mannose unit, in a 1-6 alpha
linkage. The molecular structure reveals that it is a rigid
rod-like polymer due to the beta linkage between the
monomer units. The mannose to galactose ratio has been
estimated at 1.8:1 to 2:1. Recent studies indicate that the
galactose side units may not follow a regular spacing
pattern, but in fact, may appear in "clusters" and on either
side of the mannose backbone and the molecular weight
of Guar Gum has been estimated as high as 1.8 - 2.5
million. Depolymerised Edicol® products have significantly lower molecular weights. Usually,
viscosities can be directly related to the molecular weight.

In general, it is the high galactose (to mannose) molar ratio that accounts for
the excellent cold water solubility of Edicol®. An important feature of Edicol®
structure to be noted is the cis-position of the adjacent hydroxyl groups on the
C2 and C3 in the mannose and C3 and C4 in the case of galactose. This is an
important factor since these adjacent hydroxyl groups reinforce each other in
hydrogen bonding reactions. Viscosity vs. Shear Rate
Brookfield Viscometer, 1% solution, 25º C

Edicol® is a non-ionic, white to cream 13000

white powder, soluble in hot and cold 12000

11000
water, but insoluble in most organic solvents. It is
10000
commercially used in foods, pet-foods and feeds for its
9000
excellent ability to control rheology by economic water
Viscosity, cps (mPas)

8000
phase management. It is neutral in taste, but may have a
slight characteristic “grassy or beany” odour.
7000

6000

® 5000
Edicol forms highly viscous colloidal dispersions when
4000
hydrated in cold water. These solutions exhibit non- 3000
Newtonian, pseudo-plastic rheological properties. Aqueous 2000
solution viscosities decrease with increasing rates of shear. 1000

0
5 15 25 35 45 55
Shear Rate (Rpm)

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 Lucid Colloids Ltd.
®
Food Grade Guar Gums
Consistency Index - K Flow Behaviour Index - n
1000 Edicol® aqueous 1

dispersions, like most

hydrocolloids, obey 0.8
100 the power law:
ĸ n
0.6
K Value

n Value
10 Where stress,
= shear rate, ĸ = 0.4

consistency modulus,
1 n = flow behaviour
index. 0.2

0.1 0
0.1 0.4 0.8 1.2 0 0.4 0.8 1.2
Concentration in water (%) Concentration in water (%)

Viscosity vs. Concentration in water

Brookfield Viscometer, 20 Rpm, 25º C
The lower the value of n, the greater the shear thinning 22000
effect (loss of viscosity on increasing shear). For an ideal 20000
Newtonian fluid, the viscosity is independent of shear and
18000
therefore n = 1. Numerous studies have shown that
solutions with a high "n" value tend to feel slimy in the 16000

mouth. Therefore, when high viscosities and a good,

Viscosity, cps (mPas)

14000

clean mouth-feel are desirable, hydrocolloids like Edicol® 12000

with low “n” values are the gums of choice.
10000

®
Edicol solution viscosities increase exponentially with 8000

®
increasing concentration of Edicol in water In addition to 6000

shear rates and polymer concentration, Edicol® solution 4000

viscosities are also influenced by previous shear history, 2000

temperature, pH and the presence of salts and other solids.
The time required for Edicol® to completely hydrate in water, 0
0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5
®
and reach peak viscosities depends upon the grade of Edicol , Concentration in water (%)

the dispersion and stirring equipment used, the pH and temperature. Edicol® viscosities will tend
to irreversibly reduce if the dispersion is sheared at very high speeds for extended periods. Such a
reduction is more pronounced at a elevated temperatures and extremes of pH.
Viscosity vs. Temperature, ºC
Brookfield Viscometer, 20 Rpm, 1% solution
8000 Edicol® is stable over a wide pH range. Due to the non-
ionic nature of the product, almost constant viscosity is
7000 maintained in the pH range of 3-10. The optimum pH range
for hydration of Edicol® is 5.5-6 5
6000

The viscosities of aqueous Edicol® dispersions are not

Viscosity, cps (mPas)

5000 Heat

significantly affected by temperature. Hydration rates (rate

4000 Cool of viscosity development) are influenced by short term
heating. Edicol® will reach peak viscosities faster if the
3000
dispersion is heated to about 40ºC for short while. Beyond
2000
40ºC and upto 80ºC, viscosities will decrease, but will
recover on cooling, though this depends upon the holding
1000 time at the high temperature and the pH. For example,
Edicol® solutions having a pH of 4-9 exhibit good thermal
0
20 40 60 80
stability when heated to 80ºC and held for two hours and
Temperature, º C (2ºC per minute) cooled again, but will thin irreversibly if the pH is held
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 Lucid Colloids Ltd.
®
Food Grade Guar Gums
Viscosity vs. pH during this period at 3. Under normal conditions, Edicol®
6000
exhibits excellent freeze-thaw stability with insignificant
syneresis in food products. Rheological properties of end
products with Edicol® remain stable when refrigerated,
5000
stored at room temperatures or heated.
4000
Since Edicol® is non-ionic, good electrolyte compatibility is
Viscosity, cps (mPas)

achieved over a broad ionic strength range. Very high

3000
concentrations of multivalent salts will affect hydration and
may produce gels. Addition of other solids to Edicol®
2000 dispersions will affect the rheological behaviour of the
dispersion due to the competition for water between
1000 Edicol® and the other solids. The change in Edicol®
dispersion behaviour is affected by the concentration of
0 other dissolved solids, but also whether such solids are
1 2 3 4 5 6
pH
7 8 9 10 11 12
added to the dispersion before, after or with Edicol® to the
aqueous phase.

Edicol® solutions will tolerate only small amounts of organic solvents. The polymer will precipitate
out of solution and viscosities will reduce sharply when the weight % organic solvent in solution
exceeds levels of 5%-10%.

Edicol® is compatible with other gums, starches, hydrocolloids and gelling agents both natural and
synthetic, normally used in foods, pet foods and feeds. Excellent viscosity synergism is achieved,
without gel formation, with Xanthan gum in ratios of 50:50 to 90:10 (Edicol®: Xanthan). Unique
stabiliser blends, both cost effective and functional can be achieved by combination of Edicol® with
other hydrocolloids, gelling agents and emulsifiers to achieve the right mouth-feel and texture in
the final food product.

Like most natural galactomannans, Edicol® solutions are subject to degradation by microbial
attack and hydrolysis. GRAS preservatives may be added to Edicol® solutions to extend solution
shelf- life. Due to its high microbial purity, Edicol® has a long shelf- life in its dry form.

Edicol® Guar Gums are available in a variety of viscosities, particle size distributions and hydration
rates to suit every need. Detailed specification sheets are available on request. Specialised "tailor-
made" products are possible.

Edicol® are high purity Guar gums manufactured under strict hygienic condition and GMP’s. The
manufacturing process from raw material to finished goods is fully automatic, incorporating
complex pneumatic conveying and material handling system. Various safety features and HACCP
during manufacturing and packaging ensure that Edicol® is free from foreign matter and impurities.

Average standardised / blended batch sizes rang from 5,000 to 8,000 kilos (11,000 to 17,5000 Ibs),
thus ensuring consistency and reproducibility from batch-to-batch. Every batch shipped to
customers carries a certificate of analysis, including microbiological certification by our in-house
microbiological quality control laboratories. Our well-equipped labs are capable of carrying out
various tests and analytical procedures. No preservatives are added to Edicol®, including GRAS
preservatives.

Edicol® must be stored in a cool, dry place, away from heat and out of the sun. It is recommended
to use all the contents from a Edicol® bag/ container, within a reasonable time, once opened. Due
to the hygroscopic nature of the product, excessive humidity may lead to absorption of moisture
and consequent microbial degradation if bags/ containers are left in an open state for long periods.
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 Lucid Colloids Ltd.
®
Food Grade Guar Gums

Edicol® is available in 25 kgs or 50 lbs net, multi-wall paper (open mouth or valve filled) bags with
a suitable liner or coated paper as a moisture barrier. Other packing available on request (Plastic
bags, Fibre drums, Jumbo sacks etc.). Pallets also available on request.

For Safety, Health, Environment and Handling, see Material Safety Data Sheet.

In order to obtain lump-free, homogeneous solutions and aid dispersion, Edicol® should be dry
blended with other ingredients used, such as sugar, starches etc. Such a pre-blend should be
added to the vortex created by an agitator.

Edicol® may also be slurried in certain miscible non-aqueous liquids (alcohol’s, glycol’s etc.) and
poured into agitated water.

Eductor systems may be used to make stock solutions, but care must be taken to pre-blend
relatively free-flowing materials with Edicol® to aid in having a controlled and even rate of
discharge form hoppers etc. On its own, Edicol® may have a tendency to bridge or form “rat-holes”
in hoppers and bins.

A high-speed mixing device is recommended to make Edicol® solutions. This ensures no

formation of lumps, faster hydration and more homogeneous solutions. A holding period of upto 24
hours ensures that Edicol® solutions have completely hydrated and reached their peak viscosities.
Heat upto 50ºC may be employed through a jacketed vessel to speed up the rate of Edicol®
hydration in water.

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 Lucid Colloids Ltd.
®
Food Grade Guar Gums

Product Matrix

Particle Size
Fine (*) (#) Med. Coarse (*) (#) Coarse Very Coarse
60% < 200 mesh (75 30% < 200 mesh ( 75
90% < 200 mesh (75 70% > 60 mesh (250
($) micron)
micron) and 20% > 100 micron) and 20% > 100
micron)
mesh (150 micron) mesh (150 micron)
100-50, 100-30, 90-
5500 - 7000 100-70, 90-70 100-60, 90-60
Very High 50, 90-30
5000 - 6000 80-70 80-60 80-50, 80-30
High-High
4800 - 5500 70-70 70-60 70-50, 70-30
Medium-High
4000 - 5000 60-70 60-60 60-50, 60-30 60-10,60-00
Low-High
Viscsoity

3800 - 4300 40-70 40-60 40-50, 40-30

High-Medium
2800 - 3300 30-70 30-60 30-50, 30-40 30-10, 30-00
Medium-Medium
1800 - 2500 20-70 20-60 20-20
Low-Medium
800 - 1000 ULV 1000
High-Low
450 - 750 ULV 750, ULV 500
Medium-Low
ULV 200, ULV 100,
40 - 200
Low-Low ULV 50
Edicol Grade Nos

($) = Typical 1% Brookfield Viscosity, cps (mPas), 24 hrs, 25° C.

(*) Product available with good dry flow properties under nomeclature 'F' added to grade name
(#) Product available with anti-dust properties under nomeclature 'A' added to grade name

Note: Free flow property is achieved by addition of silica (food grade)

Antidust property is achieved by coating with propylene glycol (USP)

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