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Gum Arabic is mixture of polysaccharides and glycoprotein which gives it the properties of a glue and binder that is edible by humans, it includes cationic components like calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Arabic Gum used in different industries such as soft drink syrups, food as stabilizer and thickener e.g. (chocolate candies and sweets), paint productions, ceramic glazes, printmaking, pyrotechnics, medical industry and cosmetics.
Sudan produces the best quality of Gum Arabic in the world and 80 ~ 85% of Gum Arabic in the world exported from Sudan to the other countries.
Gum Arabic grades and types :-
Grade 1 : Acacia Senegal (Hashab) is sorted to the following types :-
· Hand Picked Selected (HPS): The cleanest type, lightest color and in form of large nodules.
· Cleaned: Contains siftings and without dust.
· Siftings: Fine particles remaining following sorting of the choicer grades. Contains some bark, sand and few dirt.
· Dust: very small particles collected after cleaning process but contains dirt and sand.
Grade 2 : Acacia Seyal (Talha) is sorted to the following types :-
· Cleaned : size (starts from 4mm and above)
· Sifting : size (0.5mm to 4mm)
· Dust : size (max. 0.5mm)
Specification of Gum Arabic (Hashab):
· Solubility: highly soluble in water, give up to 50%
· Moisture: max. 15%
· Hydrolysis products: passes test
· Total ash: max 4%
· Viscosity: 70 ~ 110 mpsc
· Ph: 4.2 ~ 4.8
· Tannin test: passes test
· Starch and dextrin: Passes Test
· Nitrogen content: 0.24 ~ 0.41%
· Protein content: 1.58 ~ 2.7% (N x 6.6)
Specification of Gum Arabic (Talha):
· Moisture: max. 15%
· Hydrolysis products: passes test
· Total ash: max 4%
· Viscosity: 60 ~ 110 mpsc
· Ph: 4.2 to 4.8
· Color of 20% solution: Lt. Amber
· Acid Insoluble Residue: max 0.35%
· Specific Rotation: (oc)D 25c (-22) ~ (-34)
Comparison between Sudanese Arabic Gum & other countries:
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Sudan |
Other Countries |
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1- The stable system of gum cultivation cycle is practiced in many areas |
1- Over - exploitation and cutting of trees through shifting cultivation is practiced |
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2- Development of Gum Projects at all levels |
2- Lack of serious development projects |
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3- Uniform stands of monoculture of the right species in large tracks |
3- Mixed species in patches |
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4- Well- experienced producers, tappers, collectors, cleaners and graders |
4- Lack of experience in all fields |
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5- Land tenure settles – recognized private ownership |
5- Serious land tenure problems, Gum produced in the no man's land |
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6- Producers are mainly settled agriculturists |
6- Producers are mostly nomads not interested in Gum development |
Storage
Gum Arabic should be in clean, cool, dry place. It does not deteriorate due to long storage under such favorable condition. However, if stored where rain can affect it, the gum becomes hardened and darkened in color, and this can affect the quality.
Packing and Export :
Done in 50 Kg PP Woven bags or 50 Kg jute bags , and exported in 20 feet containers which will carry 22 metric tons