CATEGORY
Crystalline Fructose
Crystalline Fructose is a highly purified form of fructose, commonly used as a sweetener in various food and beverage products. It is valued for its sweetness, which is higher than that of sucrose, and its functional benefits in food processing. Here's a detailed introduction to Crystalline Fructose, covering its characteristics, benefits, and applications.
Chemical Characteristics
· Chemical Formula: C6H12O6
· Molecular Weight: 180.16 g/mol
· Structure: Fructose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) with a five-membered ring structure in its furanose form.
· Purity: Crystalline Fructose is nearly 100% pure, with a typical purity of over 98%.
Physical Properties
· Appearance: It appears as a white, odorless, crystalline powder.
· Solubility: Highly soluble in water, which makes it easy to incorporate into liquid products.
· Sweetness: About 1.2 to 1.8 times sweeter than sucrose (table sugar), allowing for reduced quantities in food formulations.
Sources and Production
· Natural Sources: Fructose is naturally present in fruits, honey, and some vegetables.
· Industrial Production: Crystalline Fructose is typically produced from corn or other sources of starch through enzymatic conversion to fructose, followed by purification and crystallization processes.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Aspects
1. Low Glycemic Index: Fructose has a low glycemic index (GI), meaning it causes a slower and lower rise in blood glucose levels compared to glucose or sucrose. This can be beneficial for managing blood sugar levels.
2. Reduced Caloric Intake: Due to its higher sweetness, smaller amounts are needed to achieve the desired sweetness in foods, which can help reduce overall caloric intake.
3. Energy Source: As a simple sugar, fructose is an immediate source of energy, rapidly absorbed and metabolized by the body.
4. Tooth Friendly: Less likely to cause tooth decay compared to sucrose, as fructose does not contribute significantly to the formation of dental plaque.
Applications
Food and Beverage Industry:
Sweetening Agent: Used in a wide range of products such as soft drinks, fruit juices, candies, baked goods, yogurt, and energy bars.
Flavor Enhancement: Enhances the natural flavors of fruits and other ingredients in various food products.
Moisture Retention: Helps retain moisture in baked goods, prolonging shelf life and maintaining texture.
Pharmaceuticals:
Oral Medications: Incorporated into syrups and lozenges for its sweetening properties and ability to mask bitter flavors of certain active ingredients.
Nutritional Supplements: Used in formulations for energy supplements and recovery drinks.
Sports and Energy Products:
Energy Drinks: Provides a quick source of energy for athletes and individuals needing rapid carbohydrate replenishment.
Home Use:
Cooking and Baking: Used as a substitute for table sugar in various recipes, particularly where a lower glycemic impact is desired.
