DESCRIPTION

Inulin occurs as a white powder. It is an indigestible plant fructan found in members of the Compositae family. Commercial production is by extraction from the roots of Cichorium intybus Lin. (chicory). It is a mixture composed of polymers of β-2,1-linked fructose residues mostly linked to a terminal glucose residue. The degree of polymerization in the mixture varies between 3 and 60, with the longer-chain polymers being predominant. It is very soluble in hot water, slightly soluble in cold water, and almost insoluble in most organic solvents.