FUNCTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF MUSTARD MUCILAGE

Abstract

Mucilage found in hulls of yellow mustard seed was investigated. The isolated mucilage was a cold water‐swellable hydrocolloid of low to medium viscosity and exhibited thixotropic properties. Viscosity increased with addition of alkali or acid. Mucilage produced synergistic increases in viscosity when combined with guar, locust bean, or carboxymethylcellulose. Solutions were opaque, bland tasting and slightly acidic. Solutions showed stability to acidity down to pH 3.5 and also to cooking and cooling cycles. The mucilage lowered the surface tension of water and the interfacial tensions of oil and water emulsions. Emulsification was achieved in model salad dressing formulations. The mucilage exhibited excellent suspending properties.