So, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide with various applications. It has numerous culinary, cosmetic as well as industrial uses. It is certified as a safe food additive and can be found as an ingredient in various food items. It is found in commercial salad dressings, sauces and various other products, wherein a thickening agent is required. It is almost like gelatin, but, is purely a vegan option that can be tried, when you need a thickening agent, stabilizer or emulsifier. Xanthan gum is perfect for some of the gluten free recipes, where the ingredients need to be bound together. It is used in various culinary purposes, including baking. Apart from the culinary uses of xanthan gum, this product is also found to be used as an ingredient in various cosmetic products.
Industrial uses of xanthan gum includes its role in binding the ingredients of toothpaste. As mentioned above, it is a common ingredient in numerous commercial food products like frozen foods, sauces, ice creams, beverages, salad dressings and many other such products. It is also used in the oil and gas industry, where it is used to thicken the drilling mud. Xanthan gum also plays the role of a lubricant in oil pumps. It is also used as a laxative. It has been suggested that xanthan gum has the potential to reduce high cholesterol levels and high blood sugar. As far as the common man is concerned, handling of xanthan gum is mostly associated with culinary purposes. So, let us take a look at how to use xanthan gum for culinary purposes.
How to Use Xanthan Gum as a Thickener
The use of xanthan gum as a thickener may vary slightly with the type of recipe. For recipes with liquid ingredients, you have to mix xanthan gum in the liquid. It will be better to use a blender for such mixing as xanthan gum may form clumps as soon as it comes into contact with liquid. For every cup of liquid ingredient, you need 1/8 tablespoon of xanthum gum. All you have to do is to get the xanthan gum dissolved in a small amount of liquid that has to be combined with the remaining liquids. In case of sauces and other such recipes, you have to mix xanthan gum in oil, before adding ingredients like soy milk. Some people directly sprinkle xanthan gum into soups, while whisking. You may also mix it with a small amount of liquid that has to be added to the soup.
How to Use Xanthan Gum in Baking
As far as baking is concerned, you have to mix the xanthan gum directly with the flour. Take the dry ingredients in a bowl and combine them with xanthan gum, before adding the wet ingredients. Usually, one teaspoon of xanthan gum is sufficient for every cup of flour, which is used for making cakes and cookies. But, if you intend to make bread, then double the quantity. In other words, two teaspoons of xanthan gum will be required per cup of flour meant for making bread and pizza base. In order to increase the effectiveness of xanthan gum in baked goods, you have to use a combination of different gluten-free flours.
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