Plant Gum Exudates of the World

Book excerpt: Considered magicians of the ingredient world, gums (hydrocolloids) are used in a variety of food applications. They possess excellent thickening, binding, emulsifying, suspension, and viscosity properties. The first comprehensive reference produced on gums in 60 years, this work is organized by taxonomy. Each entry contains the botanical name and synonyms of the tree from which it is exuded, common names, geographic distribution, chemical characteristics and structural features, physical properties, and industrial and food applications. The uses of other parts of the trees from which the gums originate are also detailed. Entries are illustrated with color photos and line drawings.