#gumtragacanth

Plant-Based Gelatin Alternative: Gum Tragacanth

Researchers have explored gum tragacanth as a plant-based alternative to gelatin in edible films. By experimenting with different ratios of gelatin and gum tragacanth, they identified a 3:1 ratio as optimal for maintaining the gel-like structure of gelatin. However, the addition of gum tragacanth increases porosity, making the films more susceptible to water and saline penetration. While not a complete replacement, this partial substitution represents progress toward sustainable food packaging solutions.

I get a lot of emails asking me what the difference between these 'gums' are and what to use them with. It can get a little confusing especially if you are just starting out. 

I'll start by explaining what Tylose powder is. This is the one that I like to use the most.

Tylose

It's actually less expensive than the other 'gums' out there. It's also slightly more difficult to get hold of and you'll have to go to a speciality cake decorating shop to find it. You can also find it online.

It is a brand name used for CMC. Add it to sugarpaste, also known in some countries as Fondant, to create a 'homemade' version of gum paste. It makes it easier to make models with, and dries faster and harder. 

CMC

CMC is the same as Tylose, but stands for Carboxymethyl cellulose, a manmade powder. It's cheaper than Tylose and Gum Tragacanth and is more readily available. 

It works much quicker than Tylose and Gum Trag. For lastminute.com people like me!!

Gum Tragacanth 

Gum Trag is the real thing because it's completely natural. It's made from the sap of a Middle Eastern plant. Once the sap is extracted from the plant it is then dried into powder form. 

It's the worst smelling of the three, but by far my favourite because it's natural. It does take a little time to work, so if you are going to use it, I suggest adding it to your sugarpaste about 24 hours before modelling. This will make sure it has activated. 

Uses of all 3

All 3 can be used with sugarpaste to help with modelling and dries harder than plain sugarpaste. 

You can make home made glue with it by adding 1:10 hot water. Leave it over night and you have glue. Make as much as you need because it doesn't last more than about 3-4 days. The older it gets, the thinner it becomes and less active. 

Sludge or Cement. - This is used when you need things to really hold. Grab a little bit of gumpaste (used for making sugarflowers), add some CMC, Tylose or Gum Trag and a little water. Mix it well with a mini spatula, adding a drop of water at a time, until it becomes really sticky. Once it's very sticky, stop adding water.