E427 – Cassia gum
ThickenerDescription
Polysaccharide derived from the endosperm of Cassia tora or Cassia obtusifolia seeds, used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer
Notes
Cassia gum is extracted from the seeds of the Cassia tora or Cassia obtusifolia plants, which are legumes related to the pea family and grow in tropical regions around the world. The seeds are collected from the plant's pods, then processed to remove the outer hull and germ, leaving behind the endosperm - the part of the seed that contains the thickening compounds. This endosperm is ground into a fine powder to create cassia gum. This ingredient works as a thickener and helps improve the texture of foods, making them smoother and more stable. You'll commonly find cassia gum in pet foods, but it's also used in human food products like sauces, dressings, and frozen desserts. It's particularly valued because it works well in combination with other gums and thickeners, helping to create the perfect consistency in food products. Cassia gum is completely natural and plant-derived, making it suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and those following religious dietary laws. It's recognized as safe by food regulatory agencies and is naturally gluten-free. Since it comes from plants in the legume family, people with severe legume allergies might want to exercise caution, though allergic reactions to cassia gum itself are extremely rare.