Psyllium Husk Purity Grades: 85% to 99% Explained

India, mainly North Gujarat and Rajasthan, grows almost all of the world's psyllium (isabgol). The husk is the thin outer coat of the seed, and it is traded by purity.

Purity grades

Purity is the share of pure husk; the rest is light extraneous matter and kernel pieces. Common grades are 85%, 95%, 98% and 99%. Fibre supplements and pharmaceutical buyers usually take 98–99%; feed and some food uses take lower grades at a lower price.

Husk or powder

Husk is sold whole and as powder in several mesh sizes, for example 40, 60 and 100 mesh. Finer powder mixes more easily into drinks and baking, and is often asked for by supplement makers.

Tests buyers ask for

• Swell volume: how much the husk swells in water; a key measure of quality.
• Light extraneous matter and total ash.
• Moisture and microbiology (total plate count, yeast and mould, E. coli, Salmonella).
• Pesticide residues and heavy metals for food and supplement markets.

Packing

Husk is light and bulky, so it is commonly packed in 25 kg paper or PP bags, and a 40 ft container holds less weight than it would of a dense product. Ask for the container load when you compare quotes.