Assessment of the Basic Rheological Characteristics of Prunus Sp. Gums and their Potential for Industrial Application in China

The primary commercially exploited acacia gums are natural polysaccharide gums exuded by tapped branches from Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees (generally known as ‘gum Arabic'). Although such trees are rarely grown in China, acacia gum has been utilised in China for several thousand years. The current primary uses of acacia gum in China are as a stabiliser, thickener, emulsifier, and adhesive in food industry applications such as in soft drinks, confectionery, and dairy products. Such industries clearly rely on importation of acacia gum, however scientific interest has turned to investigation of alternative materials such as gelatin, carrageenan, and homegrown peach tree gum (from Prunus persica (L.) Batsch and Prunus davidiana (Carriere) Franch, often referred to as ‘Chinese gum'). A brief summary of available information on Prunus sp. gum extraction, harvesting, and processing methods, tree yields, and regional/national annual production in China is provided, along with some preliminary investigations into its rheological characteristics. Its potential use in applications instead of, and in conjunction with, acacia gums is discussed.