XANTHAN GUM

Xanthan gum, or just xanthan, is a very versatile ingredient and has many uses both in modernist and traditional cooking. It is also very easy to use and work with. Xanthan gum is great for thickening liquids, especially in small amounts, to turn them into flavorful sauces. It also can be used to create light foams and froths. Xanthan gum is excellent when used to stabilize emulsions or to suspend particles in liquids and is very effective at keeping purees from separating.

Xanthan gum has a very neutral flavor so it mixes well with foods without masking their flavor. It provides an improved mouthfeel for many preparations, slightly thickening a liquid similar to how traditionally reducing a liquid does. Xanthan also adds a desirable texture that fat usually contributes, making it ideal in low-fat preparations.

Xanthan gum is gluten free and is often used as a substitute in baking and thickening. It also helps baked goods to retain more moisture than they would have otherwise. When mixed into batters or tempura xanthan gum adds good cling, allowing the batter to stick more easily to the food. Also, xanthan gum does not lose its properties when microwaved.