The origin of gum arabic tree dates back to 4.000 years ago: the Egyptian artisans appreciated its sticky qualities, using it both as a binder for papyri pigments and as a thickener in cosmetics an for mummification.
Gum Arabic is a natural vegetal resin from in the famous "gum belt", that is the zone including different regions of Sudan; this resin is obtained from two different species of acacia growing in the' gum belt', or Sahel zone in South Sahara, which includes different regions of Sudan.
This resin is obtained through special tappings made on the trunk of the Acacia Senegal tree (for alimentary sector, pharmaceutical industry and beverage) and Acacia Seyal (for oenological and biotechnological applications).
The resinous liquid which comes out of the tappings to heal the cuts on the bark, thickens on contact with the air, forming a hard and glassy gum. This process is called "gummosis" and usually lasts from 3 to 8 weeks.

Fields of Application.
Gum Arabic has many fields of application as a condensing, emulsifying, structuring agent, as well as a stabilizing agent for aromas and essential oils in beverage production, in confectionery industry for the production of gumdrops, lozenges, sweets, and as foam stabilizer in the production of soft candies and toffees.