Gum Arabic

Gum arabic is purified and dried from the exudate (gummy sap) of a tree (Acacia) that grows in Africa. The sap forms when a tree trunk or branch has been damaged, either through extreme climatic conditions or deliberate knife cuts. Gum arabic is good at stabilizing emulsions while maintaining a pleasing, non-gummy mouthfeel. That is why it continues to be used in icings, fillings, and certain flavorings, even when its supply is scarce.