ChefSteps Nerd Alert: All About Xanthan Gum

Summary by Krater

Chris Young explains the science and practical culinary uses of xanthan gum, demonstrating its thixotropic properties and how a tiny amount can thicken liquids like salad dressings.

From the video

Answers: What is xanthan gum and how do you use it as a thickener?

• xanthan gum production and fermentation
• thixotropic properties of xanthan gum
• thickening liquids without gluten

Ingredients

• 1 g xanthan gum
• 200 g water

What it concludes

• Microbial fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris on sugars produces xanthan gum, which is then purified, dried, and ground into a powder.
• As little as half a percent by weight of xanthan gum is enough to thicken a liquid.
• Xanthan gum is thixotropic, meaning it is thick when still but thins out when poured.