Products
Arabic gum (gum arabic) is available in pharmacies and drugstores as an open product. It is also found in foods, medicines and in cosmetics. Gum arabic was used by the ancient Egyptians over 4000 years ago.
Structure and properties
Arabic gum is an air-hardened, gummy exudate that comes out naturally or after cutting the stem and branches of , or other African -species of the legume family (Fabaceae). The gum is present as white to yellowish tears or pieces and is processed, among others, into a powder, flakes, granules and by spray drying. It is almost completely soluble in water, but very slowly, leaving only a small residue of vegetable matter. The slimy liquid it contains is colorless to yellowish, viscous, sticky and translucent. Arabic gum consists mainly of high molecular weight and branched chain polysaccharides, their calcium, magnesium and potassium salts, and proteins. The polysaccharides are composed of D-galactose, L-arabinose, L-rhamnose, D-glucuronic acid and 4-O-methyl-D-glucuronic acid.
Effects
Arabic gum is used as a binder, adhesive, thickener, coating agent, emulsifier and stabilizer, among others. It is tasteless, odorless and colorless. Unlike gelatin, gum is of plant origin and therefore suitable for vegans.
Fields of application
Arabic gum is used in the food industry and pharmaceuticals, among other applications. It is a typical ingredient of gummy pastilles, for example cough, bronchial or sage pastilles and sweets such as chewing gums and marshmallows. In the run-up to Christmas, it is used as a glaze for gingerbread, as a glue, for beavers and as a gelling agent. In addition, numerous technical applications exist, such as paint, ink and paper production.
Dosage
As glaze: sprinkle about 1 part powdered Arabic gum to 5 parts water, leave to swell during a few hours. Heat in a water bath before use and strain if necessary. When sprinkled on the water, lumps may initially form. However, these dissolve during swelling.
