Source for gum arabic?

I've checked the local middle eastern markets here in Andersonville, as well as Penzey's and the Spice House. Nada. Does anyone know if any of the markets elsewhere in the city, such as Antonius' beloved Waaha 'l-Aurans (the oasis circa Lawrence and Kedzie), carry gum arabic?

Shukran

HI,

From reading some botanical websites, I learned India has a plant which produces a gum arabic type substance, though not considered as good as the original. Another location to attempt to seek this out may just be Devon Avenue.

Regards,

Please pardon my nosiness-- what are you going to do with the gum Arabic? Are you mixing up a batch of homemade Juicy Fruit?

Hammond

Ah, an inquiry from a curious reader. Why, he asks, would one wish to find gum arabic? To what culinary purpose might it be put? A reasonable question deserves a reasonable answer and so...

I just bought a Palestinian cookbook (Palestinian Cookery by Christiane Dabdoub Nasser) that I am very taken with. It has many recipes that sound wonderful and is...how shall I say....vigorously Palestinian. It even focuses locating specific villages where items are best made. So, in addition to stocking up on such new essentials as sumac, zaatar, and mahlab, I need gum arabic. I need it in small amounts (think asafoetida in Indian cooking) for such items as shawarma (beef, lamb, and chicken) and a pudding called m'hallabiyeh.

I am intrigued by other ingredients that are new to me as well, such as m'loukhiyeh or Jew's mallow, samneh (an Arabic version of ghee, it seems), and kishta (a double cream of sorts). I'm also finding it interesting that two predominant spices are white pepper and allspice (cinnamon I expected).

And, if I could hit on a flavor of gum that would appeal to a Palestinian population (and locate a commercial supplier of gum arabic--which may be easier than finding a retail supply), I might give the Wrigleys a run for their money!

Gum Arabic is also called Acacia Gum or Senegal Gum. Aside from chemical suppliers, places that sell cake decorating supplies carry it.

Here is a link to a baking supply place in Indiana that sells it in smaller quantities online: http://www.countrykitchensa.com/catalog ... CatId=1118

Or you could look for it on E-Bay (although I would make sure it is fit for human consumption).

Gypsy Boy wrote:I've checked the local middle eastern markets here in Andersonville, as well as Penzey's and the Spice House. Nada. Does anyone know if any of the markets elsewhere in the city, such as Antonius' beloved Waaha 'l-Aurans (the oasis circa Lawrence and Kedzie), carry gum arabic?

Gypsy Bo-uh-Y,

I reasonably sure I've seen gum arabic in the Al-Aurans area store(s). It's amazing what you can get in some of those stores...
click for larger image

Gypsy Boy wrote:I just bought a Palestinian cookbook (Palestinian Cookery by Christiane Dabdoub Nasser) that I am very taken with.

I bought a copy of the same book just last week. I haven’t had a lot of time to read it yet but it looks excellent. In case others are interested, it seems that Powell’s has multiple copies.

I can’t offer any confirmed sightings of gum arabic but would suggest a trip to West 63rd Street, a neighborhood with a strong Palestinian presence. Even if you don’t find gum arabic you’ll probably find other things you need. While there, you might as well stop at Steve’s for some great Palestinian cooking. I list a couple of markets but there are others, mostly between Kedzie and Pulaski.

Olive Mount Market
3536 W 63rd St

Rachid Market
3255 W 63rd St
(address might not be quite accurate; a few shops in this block have moved around)

Steve's Shish Kabob
3816 W 63rd St

Gypsy Boy wrote:And, if I could hit on a flavor of gum that would appeal to a Palestinian population (and locate a commercial supplier of gum arabic--which may be easier than finding a retail supply), I might give the Wrigleys a run for their money!

Actually, I've worked for a gum company and while they did carry gum arabic for other applications, the gum bases used for making chewing gum don't (as far as I know...all the actual recipes are proprietary) utilize gum arabic. However, the stuff is a great stabilizer and has pretty good solubility in cold water. One of my favorite candy stabilizers actually. I remember it tends to get foamy on top (something about the proteins?). If clarity is an issue, it's good to dissolve a couple hours before you use it and scrape the gunk off the top. The bottom solution should be fairly clear.

The apparently limitless knowledge and helpfulness of this board, once again, impresses me no end. Thanks to all for you assistance. I will be ordering some soon and sure hope that it makes a difference.... Still, I've learned something and appreciate everyone's help.

Gum arabic is what makes the diet Coke and Mentos experiments work so well because it reduces the surface tension of the soda, causing the CO2 to all come out at once. So it works as a stabilizer and a destabilizer! I probably have a sample of gum arabic somewhere in my lab, but it's probably pretty old 'cause I use mostly pectins and carrageenans in our products.

Another use for gum arabic.

You may be able to find it at the Home Economist. I'd call first, obviously, but I seem to recall seeing it there in the past.

The locations have been closing a lot lately, so I don't know if these are still open, but:

Home Economist
419 N La Grange Rd
La Grange Park, IL 60526
(708) 352-1514

Home Economist
9159 Gross Point Rd
Skokie, IL 60077
(847) 674-7252

Home Economist
6382 S Cass Ave
Westmont, IL 60559
(630) 852-0214

Home Economist
906 S Northwest Hwy
Barrington, IL 60010
(847) 382-4202

I picked up some gum arabic at Rachid on Saturday (Olive Mount usually carries it but was out). If you try Rachid be sure to call first. I think I got the last of it but the owner said he should get more on Tuesday. It struck me as rather expensive—three dollars for a small handful of pellets. Indeed that might explain why it’s hard to find. The owner said that the price has gone up quite a bit recently.

Rachid Bakery & Grocery
3255 W 63rd St
Chicago
773-925-4711