By Teri Gruss, MS. Gluten-Free Cooking Expert
Xanthan (ZAN thun) gum and guar (gwar) gum are utilized in gluten-free cooking to bind, thicken and emulsify gluten-free ingredients. Should you don't add one of these simple gums to much of your gluten-free baked goods, they'll likely finish as a pile of crumbs!
But is a gum much better than another and just how much gum do you want for best baking results?
Xanthan gum is really a corn-based, fermented product.
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It's produced by fermenting corn sugar having a microbial known as "Xanthomonas campestris." It's used extensively within the food industry to create products thicker also it's a typical component in gluten-free recipes.
If you are using an excessive amount of xanthan gum inside a recipe if you notice huge, gummy or perhaps slimy texture inside your baked goods- so measure carefully when utilizing xanthan gum.
Individuals with allergic reactions or sensitivity to corn might be advised by their physician to prevent xanthan gum. Also, xanthan gum generally costs almost 3 occasions around guar gum.
Guar gum originates from the seed of bean-like (legume) plant, sometimes known as the Indian tree. It has elevated levels of dietary fiber. Based on Bob's Red Mill Guar Gum product literature "Guar Gum has eight occasions the thickening power as corn starch." Like xanthan gum, measure carefully when utilizing guar gum in gluten-free recipes or else you may finish track of heavy, stringy baked goods.
Guar gum is really a high fiber product and it has been connected with gastrointestinal upset in certain people.
General Strategies for Using Xanthan Gum and Guar Gum in Gluten-Free Cooking
- Bread and pizza dough recipes: Add 1 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per cup of gluten-free flour utilized in bread and pizza dough recipes
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- Cake, muffin and quick bread recipes: Add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum or guar gum per every cup of gluten-free flour used
- Cookie and bar recipes: Add 1/2 teaspoon (or fewer) xanthan gum or guar gum per every cup gluten-free flour used
Note- For the best results follow recipe recommendations when utilizing xanthan gum or guar gum.
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