E419 – Gum ghatti
StabiliserDescription
A complex polysaccharide derived from the sap of the Anogeissus latifolia tree; functions as a stabilizer, emulsifier, and thickener
Notes
Ghatti gum comes from the natural sap of the Anogeissus latifolia tree, which grows in dry regions of India and Sri Lanka. When the tree bark is cut or damaged, it produces a sticky resin as a healing response - similar to how pine trees produce sap. This resin is collected, cleaned, and processed into a powder that contains complex natural polymers (long chains of sugar molecules) that have useful properties for food production. In foods, ghatti gum works as an emulsifier, helping to blend ingredients that would normally separate, like oil and water. This makes it valuable in salad dressings, mayonnaise, and various processed foods where maintaining a smooth, uniform texture is important. It can also provide some thickening properties, though this isn't its primary function. This is a completely natural, plant-based additive that's suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and meets halal and kosher dietary requirements. Ghatti gum has been used in traditional applications for centuries and is considered safe for consumption. However, it's less commonly used than other gums in Western food production, so you're more likely to encounter it in specialty or imported products.