[Sca-cooks] Fw: [MR] gum arabic versus gum tragacanth

[Terry Decker]

Gum arabic is derived from members of the genus Acacia, primarily A.
senegal.  Gum tragacanth is derived from Astragallus gummifer (Syrian
tragacanth).  Both are used in the same manner, but gum tragacanth has
greater stability over a wider range of acidity and temperature and is
therefor considered the better product for commercial use.

IIRC, both are mentioned by Theophratus (?), which makes them known from
Antiquity.

Bear


>> As one who plays with late period candy making, can
>> anyone show me a detailed discussion of the
>> differences between gum arabic and gum tragacanth?
>> I've had at least one cooking laurel tell me they're
>> the same and other cooks who tell me they aren't.
>>
>> Any knowledge from someone who has studied the
>> differences/similarities would be appreciated.
>>
>> Rebecca