What is xanthan gum

Xanthan gum is commonly seen in ingredient lists for processed foods, as well as some non-food products such as cleansers. However, many people are not sure what it is.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5218476_xanthan-gum.html

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide with a -D-glucose backbone like cellulose, but every second glucose unit is attached to a trisaccharide consisting of mannose, glucuronic acid, and mannose.

http://www.scientificpsychic.com/fitness/carbohydrates2.html

Xanthan Gum is a microbial polysaccharide derived from the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris that is typically found in commercial salad dressings, ice creams and other suspensions or liquid products that require an emulsifier, but it can be…

http://www.care2.com/c2c/groups/disc.html?gpp=5939&pst=1204725

Related Questions Answered on Y!Answers

Where to purchase xanthan gum?

Q: I’ve recently become low carb, and have a recipe that has an optional ingredient of Xanthan gum. Does a regular grocery store sell this? In what section could I find it? I would really like to purchase this when I purchase my other groceries, instead of making a special trip to the health food store just for this *optional* ingredient. Any help is appreciated. Thanks.

A: I am a former chef and a health food store can help you, plus a store that sells cake decorating supply, “Wilton”. the biggest company in the business makes a xanthan gum use in making gum paste flowers and decorations, but the health food store will have it cheaper, call around and some pharmacys will be able to help to, it is used like bulk fiber in some medications.

Is Xanthan Gum bad for health? What is a natural whole food alternative in a bread recipe?

Q: Trying to make brown rice bread, and cant find a recipe that doesnt include some time of food gum. Does anyone know if guar is better than xanthan? also, I would prefer to not use either and use a natural alternative, any ideas? Obviously these gums are not a whole foods and are man made, are they safe for health, gmo free, etc?

A: Xanthan gum is natural, it’s made by fermentation of various vegetable products, cabbage, chick peas and even cassava. Many things we eat are fermented, cheese, wine, beer, bread to name but a few.The gum is used to replace gluten in your rice bread and will allow it to rise.Good Luck.

What does xanthan gum do in recipes, and what if I don’t have it?

Q: I’ve seen a lot of gluten free recipes that call for xanthan gum, which is unfortunately NOT available (I do mean NOT) where I live (in a developing country). Eventually I may be able to mail order some, but in the meantime, what will happen with these recipes if I leave it out? Is there something else that can be substituted for it, if it’s necessary?

A: It improves the texture of baked goods. Without it, the product will be more crumbly. Sorry, I don’t know of any substitutions. If you’re not going to use it, your best bet would be to use a good gf flour mix. The mix that works best for me is 6 parts rice flour to 2 parts potato starch, to 1 part tapioca starch. Using just all rice or corn flour will make something more crumbly and gritty.