I love to ask questions.
My parents say “why” has always been my favorite word. My parents are exceedingly patient people. The question right now is, why did it take me so long to discover gum arabic? It’s everywhere.
I find it terrifying that I’ve been eating gum arabic throughout my entire life and had no idea.
Just take me straight to the list.
GUM ARABIC OBSESSED
I think I’m pretty well-versed in unconventional topics. (Don’t get me started on that alien shit.) So, why did it take me so long to find out about gum arabic? It’s lurking in my pantry, on my walls, in my cabinets, everywhere.
I read labels. All the labels. Somehow, I missed gum arabic. Whatever the reason for my previous oversight, I can’t be stopped now that I know about it. I’ve written three posts, and every single one of them is about gum arabic.
Talk about a niche audience.
GUM ARABIC BASICS
Gum arabic is the hardened sap of two different acacia tree species: Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. These trees grow abundantly throughout Africa and Australia. Harvesters make small incisions in the branches and then collect the dried sap.
Like a person in the witness protection program who can’t stop showing up in the wrong place at the wrong time, gum arabic has a lot of aliases.
Acacia gum, gum acacia, meska, gum sudani, Senegal gum, and Indian gum are all just different names for gum arabic.
Gum arabic is the hardened sap of two different acacia tree species: Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal.
Are any of those names familiar? They weren’t to me. But my lack of awareness has nothing to do with the rest of the world. The gum arabic trade was valued at over $335 million in 2020. And Africa is a major player.
GUM ARABIC AND AFRICA
The impact of gum arabic on the African economy and culture is substantial. In a recent press release, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development said,
“Steeped in legend, gum arabic is not only an exotic commodity but also has the power to drive development in the African nations that produce it, some of them the poorest nations in the world.”
The trees that produce gum arabic play a vital role in reducing the spread of the Sahara desert. Since they are drought-resistant, they help keep the broadening sands in check. This is crucial on a global scale. But the gum arabic trade also touches individual lives.
GUM ARABIC AND WOMEN
In parts of Africa, the harvesting of gum arabic has become an essential source of income for locals, especially women.
“Before, a lot of us depended on men for our money. But things have changed since we started selling gum arabic.”
A BBC article exploring the impact of the gum arabic trade on the native population spoke to a woman from the rural Sefetou village in Africa.
She said, “Before, a lot of us depended on men for our money. But things have changed since we started selling gum arabic. I had never obtained such a large amount of money in any other activity.”
Today gum arabic production is preventing erosion and creating new opportunities for women, but its roots date back to ancient times. Over the past 2,500 years, Africa has relied on gum arabic for many things. It’s served as a food source during drought and famines It’s been used for household activities like laundering and plastering. And it’s been an important part of traditional African medicine.
GUM ARABIC AND HEALTH
The native African people have long believed that gum arabic can treat colds, sore throats, backaches, kidney issues, stomach problems, and eye diseases. And now modern science is finally catching up.
Clinical studies show that gum arabic has tons of health benefits and medical applications. Gum arabic can potentially help:
- improve heart health
- boost kidney function
- cure bacterial infections
- reduce inflammation
- lower blood pressure
- improve dental health
- heal skin lesions
If you like to geek out on research, you’re in luck. Here’s a compilation of medical literature exploring the health benefits of gum arabic.
We all know that tree saps make life better. Winter must have pine sap. Pancakes must have maple syrup. But gum arabic is in a league of its own.
GUM ARABIC USES
Don’t let all that scientific stuff make you think that gum arabic is only hanging around in laboratories. Here’s where it might be found near you.
- Soft Drink Syrups
- Marshmallows
- Chewing Gum
- M&M’s
- Cake Frosting
- Edible Glitter
- Ice Cream
- Sprinkles
- Cough Drops
- Soft Candy
- Hard Candy
- Gomme Syrup
- Breakfast Cereals
- Granola Bars
- Dessert Mixes
- Diabetic Beverages
- Frozen Pizza Dough
- Pretzels
- Salad Dressings
- Gelatins
- Puddings
- Fillings
- Soups
- Dairy Products
- Incense Cones
- Charcoal Briquettes
- Fireworks
- Wine Fining Agent
- Beer
- Watercolor Paints
- Calligraphy Inks
- Ceramic Glazes
- Crayons
- Egyptian Hieroglyphics
- Buddhist Thangka Paintings
- Indian Kinnala Art
- Gum Bichromate Photography
- Printmaking
- Envelope Adhesive
- Stamp Adhesive
- Cigarette Papers
- Pharmaceutical Tablets
- Nanotechnology
- Shoe Polish
- Cosmetic Thickening Agents
- Face Creams
- Mascaras
- Lipsticks
- Powder Foundations
- Peel-off Masks
- Body Washes
- Liquid Hand Soaps
- Lotions
- Dental Adhesives
GUM ARABIC AND BEAUTY
Since research shows that gum arabic is great for the skin, I started testing it for the glue in my homemade anti-wrinkle face patches. Here’s a cheap and easy way to make your own version of Frownies using healthy gum arabic glue.
There’s a lot of satisfaction in homemade beauty products. You save money and you know exactly what you’re putting on your body.
Have I convinced you that gum arabic is amazing? I tried really hard.
On a global level, gum arabic helps with climate change, gives opportunities for developing countries, and helps women achieve independence. For the individual, it can aid in weight loss, ease severe medical issues, and erase wrinkles.
How are you using gum arabic?
yes thank you for your blog I’m going to be making my own frownies I’ve got the craft paper and the gum arabic and I need to know how to dry them!
my guess would to be put a thin thin layer and I don’t know if I should let him dry naturally or put him in a low temp oven for a while
You’re welcome, Renee! I just apply the glue freshly to the paper whenever I’m ready to use them. I don’t put the glue on in advance. Since this version doesn’t contain preservatives or fillers, I’m not sure how that would work. But if you’re successful with that technique, please give us an update.
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I’m grateful for your engagement as a blogger. Thank you for always taking the time to respond to your readers.
Thanks for the kind comment!
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Thanks for the encouragement! Great quote. I will definitely be using that in the near future.