Xanthan Gum Has a Variety of Uses
Xanthan gum is a natural carbohydrate produced by fermenting corn sugar with a microorganism called Xanthomonas campestris. This amazing substance has many functions, and can be found in a wide variety of products. Food, beverages, pharmaceuticals, and even some cosmetics and personal care items contain food-grade xanthan gum. Cleaners, detergents and other industrial applications use an industrial-grade xanthan gum.
Our primary focus is the use of xanthan gum in food and beverages. Xanthan gum is used as a thickener and emulsifier, and can be found in salad dressings, sour cream, yogurt, etc. It is also used by people who are allergic to gluten to add volume and viscosity to bread and other gluten-free baked goods. Gluten is what holds wheat bread together. In wheat-free bread, the carbon dioxide formed by the raising agent or yeast tends to blow the bread apart and the bread falls apart when cut. There’s nothing quite like gluten, so we must use something else.
Xanthan gum is a good alternative that binds flour. It forms a gel when mixed with water, and this gel holds the bread together during baking. The result is a bread that will slice easily and has a spongy texture and pleasant yeasty flavor. If you are allergic to gluten or just want to try something new, don’t forget to order xanthan gum from TrueFoodsMarket.com.