Raffinose is a trisaccharide derived from galactose, glucose, and fructose. Raffinose can be hydrolyzed to D-galactose and sucrose by the enzyme alpha galactosidase (α-GAL), an enzyme synthesized by bacteria found in the large intestine. α-GAL also hydrolyzes other alpha galactosides such as stachyose, verbascose, and galactinol, if present. In plants, raffinose plays a significant role in stress responses, particularly temperature sensitivity, seed vigour, resistance to pathogens, and desiccation. It can be found in beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, other vegetables, and whole grains.