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Product Introduction
Liquid Inulin (Jerusalem Artichoke Concentrate) is produced from carefully selected Jerusalem artichoke tubers through a process of hot water extraction and membrane filtration, resulting in short-chain inulin with a degree of polymerization less than 10. It is a dietary fiber with sugar substitute properties and belongs to the natural prebiotic product category. Its liquid form allows for wider application.
Liquid inulin is widely used in various food industries, including functional foods, candies, meal replacement powders, beverages, and more.
Production Process
Liquid inulin (Jerusalem Artichoke Concentrate) is made from the roots and rhizomes of Jerusalem artichokes. The process involves removing proteins, gums, coarse fibers, and minerals through water extraction, ion exchange, and membrane filtration to obtain the liquid inulin.
Functions and Effects
- In the dietary fiber family, inulin holds a significant position. It improves gut health, helps manage high cholesterol, alleviates constipation, and supports weight loss.
- As a prebiotic, inulin promotes the growth and activity of gut flora. Simply put, prebiotics serve as food for probiotics. Inulin is not absorbed in the stomach and, when it reaches the colon, its metabolites work with gut bacteria like Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria to enhance digestion, relieve constipation, promote fat breakdown, and boost the immune system.
- Liquid inulin can be used in food processing for the Maillard reaction, a common non-enzymatic browning process that occurs in nearly all foods containing carbonyl and amino groups under heat.
Food Applications: Sugar substitute, prebiotic, water-soluble dietary fiber.
Liquid inulin is produced through hot water extraction, decolorization, removal of ions, sucrose, glucose, and fructose, and membrane ultrafiltration of short-chain inulin (DP < 10), equating to 50-60% of sucrose. It can be applied in food, dairy products, beverages, health supplements, gummies, chocolates, and more.
It contains short-chain inulin (DP2-10), which is high in dietary fiber and functions as a composite sugar substitute for sucrose. Its syrup form makes it more convenient to use.
Liquid inulin products can significantly reduce the energy consumption cost of inulin products, making them easier for downstream applications. With large-scale production now available domestically, liquid inulin has been added to the standards for inulin products alongside solid forms.
Safety and Dosage
In 2003, the U.S. FDA confirmed inulin as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe), with an effective daily intake of 5g and a recommended maximum daily intake of 15-20g.
In 2009, China issued Announcement No. 5, formally approving inulin as a novel food resource under the Food Safety Management Law of the People’s Republic of China, allowing its use in all food categories except infant foods.
On December 12, 2015, the EU issued Regulation (EU) 2015/2314, approving health claims for chicory inulin’s contribution to maintaining normal bowel function. According to the latest regulations, a daily intake of 12g of chicory inulin is required to achieve effective functionality. This claim applies only to products providing at least 12g of chicory inulin per day, with monosaccharides (<10%), disaccharides, and fructan-type inulin with an average degree of polymerization ≥ 9.
Plant Source: Jerusalem Artichoke
Jerusalem artichoke, also known as Sunroot or Sunchoke, is a perennial herbaceous plant. Its underground tubers are rich in starch and fructooligosaccharides like inulin. These tubers can be consumed cooked, made into porridge, pickled, dried, or used as a raw material for starch and alcohol production. The plant also serves decorative purposes when grown near homes. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has recognized Jerusalem artichoke as a "crop for both human and animal use in the 21st century."
Inulin is a storage polysaccharide in plants, primarily derived from over 36,000 species in 11 families of dicotyledons (such as Asteraceae, Campanulaceae, Gentianaceae) and monocotyledons (Liliaceae, Gramineae). Jerusalem artichoke, chicory, and dahlia roots are rich sources, with Jerusalem artichoke having the highest inulin content.
Plant Characteristics: Grows 1-3 meters tall with tuberous underground stems and fibrous roots. The stem is upright, branched, and covered with short white bristly hairs. Leaves are generally opposite with petioles; lower leaves are oval, and upper leaves alternate. Flower heads are large and singular at branch tips, with 1-2 linear-lanceolate bracts. The flower disk is yellow, 6mm long, with wedge-shaped fruits. Blooming season: August-September.
Distribution: Native to North America, introduced to China via Europe, now cultivated in many regions of China.
Growth Environment: Tolerant of cold and drought. Tubers can overwinter safely in frozen soil at -30°C. Early spring seedlings withstand light frost, while mature leaves in autumn endure short-term -4°C to -5°C temperatures. The temperate climate (18-22°C) with 12 hours of sunlight is conducive to tuber formation. The plant grows in poor soils, except for acidic, swampy, and saline-alkali areas. It can thrive in land unsuitable for other crops, like ruins, roadsides, or near homes.
Main Value: Edible. The tubers are rich in starch and serve as an excellent source of juicy animal feed. Fresh stems and leaves make silage with higher nutritional value than sunflowers. The tubers are a tasty vegetable that can be pickled, processed into syrup, or used for alcohol production. Inulin extracted from Jerusalem artichoke is also a valuable industrial raw material and a medicinal treatment for diabetes.
Consumption Methods:
- Jerusalem Artichoke Soup: Slice 60-90g of Jerusalem artichoke and simmer in water to make a soup. This dish promotes urination and can be used for conditions like edema, poor urination, and diabetes.
- Jerusalem Artichoke Juice: Mash 30-60g of Jerusalem artichoke to extract the juice. You may add honey or sugar to taste and consume it at once. This preparation cools the blood and clears heat, suitable for intestinal heat causing bloody stools.
- For a therapeutic dish, combine 100g of chopped Jerusalem artichoke tubers and 100g of rice. Cook them into a porridge, seasoning with salt and sesame oil. This meal is helpful for diabetes, edema, and poor urination.
Packaging and Storage
Storage Conditions: The product should be sealed, kept away from light and high temperatures, and stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Packaging Options: Bulk: 25kg per cardboard drum; Samples: 1kg aluminum foil bag. Custom packaging is available upon request.
Transportation: Delivered via express or logistics. Domestic express takes up to three days, logistics up to five days. Prices generally include domestic shipping fees.
Shelf Life: Two years.
