Tragacanth
The short version
A traditional Middle-Eastern tree-resin gum — strong cold-water swelling, used in dressings and bakery glazes.
It's widely considered safe at the amounts used in food, so we mark it green. The Safety section below has the details.
Where it comes from
Exuded from the dried sap of Astragalus shrubs native to Iran, Iraq, and Turkey. Harvested by tapping the stems; the dried resin is graded by color and clarity. Use dates back to ancient Greek pharmacy.
How it's used
Used in salad dressings, marshmallows, icings, bakery glazes, and as a binder in some sausages and seafood. Slowly swells in cold water to form a stable, mildly acidic gel that resists shear breakdown.
Safety profile
ADI not specified — considered safe. Treated as a soluble fiber; not absorbed. Occasional contact-dermatitis reports in pharmacy and food-handling workers.
Physical & chemical properties
Off-white to pale yellow ribbons or flakes (whole) or fine powder. Slow cold-water hydration; forms viscous solutions at low concentration. Acid- and heat-tolerant.
Regulation worldwide
Permitted globally without restrictive limits.
Educational information only. Not medical or dietary advice.