Method for producing rhamnose

A method for large-scale production of rhamnose and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid is disclosed comprising the steps of growing microorganisms of Pseudomonas sp. capable of production of high levels of rhamnolipid in a defined culture medium containing vegetable oil. Additional steps include isolating the rhamnolipid from the culture medium, hydrolyzing the rhamnolipid to produce rhamnose and 3-hydroxydecanoic acid, and separating the rhamnose from the acid. Corn oil is the preferred vegetable oil and Pseudomonas aeruginosa is the preferred Pseudomonas sp. Non-limiting concentrations of nitrogen compounds and magnesium compounds and limiting concentrations of iron compounds are additionally preferably included in the culture medium.