Lindy's Cakes Ltd

Bringing world-class sugarcraft into your kitchen

What is Gum Tragacanth?

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When demonstrating I am often asked to explain the difference between the gums we cake decorators use. When making modelling paste I prefer to use gum tragacanth rather than its synthetic substitute CMC. Basically, because gum tragacanth gives me a firmer paste and I find it easier to work with.

How to use Gum Tragacanth

The proportions I use, in the UK, are 1tsp to 250g sugarpaste. Knead the gum into your sugarpaste. Then leave overnight to take effect (you’ll be able to start feeling the difference after a couple of hours).

Where does this edible gum come from?

I found the following information on Wikipedia and it confirms what I have always believed:

“Tragacanth is a natural gum obtained from the dried sap of several species of Middle Eastern legumes of the genus Astragalus including….. Astragalus tragacanthus. Some of these species are known collectively under the common names “goat’s thorn” and “locoweed”. The gum is sometimes called “shiraz gum, “gum elect” or “gum dragon”. The name derives from tragos and akantha, which means in Greek “goat” and “thorn”, respectively.

Iran is the biggest producer of the best quality of this gum. Gum tragacanth is a viscous, odourless, tasteless, water-soluble mixture of polysaccharides. Obtained from sap drained from the root of the plant and dried. The gum also seeps from the plant in twisted ribbons or flakes which can also be powdered.

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Why is Gum Tragacanth not so common?

Gum tragacanth is less common in products than other gums, such as gum arabic or guar gum. This is largely because most tragacanth is grown in Middle Eastern countries, which have shaky trade relations with countries where the gum is to be used. Commercial cultivation of tragacanth plants has generally not proved economically worthwhile in the west, since other gums can be used for similar purposes.”

Alternative Gums

CMC or Carboxymethyl cellulose, E466, Tylose – all the same thing – “Is synthesized by the alkali catalyzed reaction of cellulose with chloroacetic acid”

The beauty of using CMC in cake decorating is that it is more or less instant. Great for last-minute requirements and class situations, however as stated above I do prefer to work with the real thing!!

Whilst at the Australian cake decorators seminar in Sydney a couple of weeks ago, I learnt of a third product that is used in Australia. It is called ‘clear gel’ or ‘clear set gel’. It is basically Agar Agar a seaweed derivative and is used in much the same way as the above. I have been given a small packet to try, so I’ll let you know how I get on!!

Sweet wishes

Lindy

Bringing world-class sugarcraft into your kitchen

About Lindy Smith

Award winning, best-selling author and sugarcraft artist, who loves to design beautiful colourful cakes, inspire, teach and supply you with gorgeous products.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Lucinda Cusack says

    When making gum paste from sugar paste at what stage do you add colour? At the same time as kneading in the gum tragacanth or CMC or the next day after leaving for a over night? Many thanks.

  2. Lindy Smith says

    Hi Lucinda
    I find it easier to colour the paste before adding the gum, however if your sugarpaste is sticky you may find it easier to colour after you have added the gum – experiment and see how you get on.
    Hope this helps
    Lindy

  3. Denise says

    Hi Lindy,
    been using recipes from your books and i love them, however im having a bit of trouble with modeling paste, i make the sugerpaste recipe and thats all good til i add the gum trag. after a while i find it gets extremly stiff and i just cant work it to get it pliable enough no matter how much i knead it, any ideas where im going wrong?

    Cheers
    Denise

  4. Lindy Smith says

    Hi Denise
    Modelling paste does stiffen up after it has been left for a while. You have a few options to bring it back to life, try adding white vegetable fat and a touch of water – the fat fat stops the paste becoming sticky and the water will really soften the paste and bring back the stretch. Another option, may be combined with the first, is to pop the paste into a microwave for about 10 sections and knead, this should work even if the paste has gone rock solid!
    If you think that you have over done the gum then simply knead in some more sugarpaste to re-address the balance.
    Hope this is useful
    Lindy

  5. angelina koh says

    Hello Linda,
    I’m from Singapore. I thoroughly enjoyed trying out ideas from your book, “Storybook Cakes”. I found this useful information on the storage of fondant covered cakes and modelling-paste models in your book. The modelling-paste models, you said, could be kept forever. However, you had recommended the use of gum tragacanth with sugarpaste.
    I have 2 questions:
    1. Can the modelling-paste made with Tylose keep for just as long?
    2. I notice an expiry date on the ready-made sugarpaste I bought. Will this mean that the modelling-paste made from this sugarpaste cannot be kept after the expiry date?
    Please advise. Thank you,
    Angelina

  6. Jane Dolder says

    Hello Angelina,
    You can make modeling paste with Tylose and it will keep just a long. If you go over the expiry date the modeling paste will still keep but you should not eat it. Alternatively you can freeze your sugarpaste/modelling paste.
    Jane

  7. Cindy says

    Hi Lindy,
    Can you please let us know how you got on with the Agar Agar? Agar agar powder is easy to find here in my country whereas Gum Trag or CMC are not sold. I’d like to know how you use it to make modelling paste.
    Thanks for your advice!

  8. angelina koh says

    Hi Lindy,
    Thank you so much for your prompt response to my earlier queries. However, I’m not very sure about what you meant by “the modelling paste will still keep but you should not eat it”.
    Would appreciate it very much if you could clarify this.
    Thank you,
    Angelina

  9. Anne Bird says

    Hi just wondering how long Gum Trag lasts my pot has no use by date on it, i’m just getting bk into decorating cakes again and my gum trag is a couple of years old.
    Thanxs for any feed bk Anne x

  11. Jane Dolder says

    Hello Angelina,
    Sugarpaste has an expiry date so if you are keeping the modelling paste decorations you would not want to eat them if you have kept them past the expiry date.
    Hope this makes sense!
    Jane

  12. Jane Dolder says

    The Agar Agar powder is added to sugarpaste to make the modelling paste. Lindy found that it did not make very strong modelling paste. You don’t mention which country you are from but you may be able to import the CMC/Gum Trag.
    Jane

  13. SUSAN MURPHY says

    HI LINDy,
    I HOPE YOU CAN HELP ME, BY SISTER-IN LAW HAS STARTED HER OWN BUSINESS WITH CUP CAKES SO I TOLD HER THAT I WOULD DO ALL THE flowers, stars, hearts etc, every time i make them the next day the start to break up, im at my wits ends at this stage help……..regards susan

  14. Lindy Smith says

    Hi Susan
    I would recommend making hearts and stars for cupcakes out of pastillage. Pastillage once dry sets hard and stand up quite well to moisture. You could make lots in advance and store them.
    Good luck
    Lindy

  16. nur says

    hi there, i just did my gumpaste using gum tragacanth..but the thing is, my gumpaste happens to be fragile..what i mean here is, when i knead it, and made a small rose, the petal/the edge of the petals seems to crack, it doesnt show a smooth edge..did i just add too much sugar?what is wrong with it..n can i amend the dough??please!

  18. Yvette says

    Hi Lindy,
    My Gum tragacanth that I have purchased is in powder form, I was wondering if this is the same for yours and therefore the same 1tsp principal applies?
    Thank you

  19. Amy Weaver says

    Hi. Can you put gum tragacanth in with buttercream mixture to stiffen it a bit as i want to pipe buttercream onto fairycakes and don’t want the buttercream to slide about!

  20. Lindy Smith says

    Hi Amy
    The best way to stiffen buttercream is to chill it. I have never heard of anyone adding gum trag to buttercream, has anyone else?

  22. Debbie says

    Hi, I am a bit confused as what to use to make small bears to go on a christening cake. I have sugar paste, but should I be using flower paste or mexican paste, the 2 latter are more expensive or should I just add gum trag to the sugar paste? Thanks

  23. Lindy Smith says

    Hi Debbie
    I know it is a little confusing. To make little bears I would use modelling paste, I make my own by adding gum trag to sugarpaste. You can buy modelling paste, often called mexican paste, but as you say it is very much more expensive. Modelling paste can also be made by mixing half flower paste with sugarpaste. Hope this helps
    Lindy

  24. Rhona says

    Hi, can you calrify something for me please? I have to make some figurines for a birthday cake. In my cupboard I already have lots of Tesco fondant ready ice that I use to cover the cake and a some Dr Oetker Regal Ice that is pre-coloured. Can I add Gum Tragacanth to these products to make a suitable modelling paste as I find they are too soft on their own. I would make my own icing but I’m a bit nervous about raw egg whites when children’s cakes are involved! Many thanks!

  25. Lindy Smith says

    Sugarpaste = Tesco fondant = Dr Oetker Regal Ice so yes just add some gum to transform it into modelling paste. I use sugarpaste to cover my cakes and for everything else I use modelling paste plus sometimes flower paste or pastillage.
    Hope this helps
    Lindy

  26. Debbie says

    Hello Lindy…
    I first have to say….OMG..I LOVE YOUR WORK!!! I saved your websites in my bookmarks and watch it all the time..I also have a few of your books!!! Next is the DVD’s

    Until I get paid I can not get the DVD so I do have a question for you..the Wonka Cakes….do you carve a little gully so the next tier can sit flat or do you just place the tiers on with royal icing?

  28. neharika says

    hi linda,
    i live in bangkok[thailand], want to know about the difference between cmc powder ,tylose ,and stabiliser…… thanks and good luck
    awaiting ur reply neharika

  29. Michelle says

    Loving it on here, I don’t have to ask anything as it’s already been answered. Keep up the great work:)

  30. Lindys Team says

    Hi Neharika,
    Thank you for your enquiry about the differences between CMC, Tylose and Stabiliser.
    CMC and Tylose are the same thing but Tylose is a brand names.
    We are not sure what you mean by Stabiliser! Has anyone else?
    Thanks,

    Marina

  31. Lindsay-Anne says

    Hi Lindy,

    I love your work. It’s so inspiring. I wondered if you could tell me where I have gone wrong.- I wanted to make hard icing for structural pieces to decorate a car cake. I kneaded gum trag with sugarpaste and moulded the shapes, but the next day the icing just crumbled. Even the bits that are a few days old haven’t hardened up properly. Could the trag have gone off? I’ve had it 9 months.
    Thank you.
    Lala.

  32. elaine says

    I live in Spain and do at times have trouble with figures arms etc., falling off.I have made some mexican paste-could i make the figures out of this as they would stand up better than just sugarpaste mixed with tylose?

  33. Hannah says

    HI i want to ask. Is guar gum usable to make gum paste? I can’t find any tylose or any of what you mentioned.

  34. Hannah says

    Hey i am making a some roses out of fondant which i bought from Tesco but i heard it will look better if i add gum powder the problem is i dont know where to find it.I live in england and i hope you could help me find it?

    thanks Hannah x

  35. Lindys Team says

    Hi Hannah,

    The gum powder that is added to the fondant is called cmc or gum traganth:

    Gum Traganth: A Natural gum that Lindy uses to make the modelling paste for all her cakes. Knead in 1 teaspoon of gum into 225g (8oz) of sugarpaste, the gum needs time to work before the paste is used. You will begin to feel a difference in the paste after an hour or so, but it is best left overnight.

    CMC /Carboxymethylcellulose/ E466/ Cellulose Gum: a synthetic substitute for gum tragacanth but has the advantage that it acts instantly. CMC is known by various names including Tylo Powder and Tylose

    We sell both of these on Lindy’s shop – http://www.lindyscakes.co.uk/OnlineShop-Edibles.htm#14gGumTrag

    Good luck with your roses.

    Marina

  36. Lindys Team says

    Hi Lindsay-Anne/Lala,
    I would check the sell by date of the gum trag, but it usually lasts a long time.
    You may be able to bring them icing back by adding a small amount of white fat and water and kneading it again.
    Take care,

    Marina

  37. Lindy Smith says

    Hannah, Guar gum is not the same as gum tragacanth or CMC. Please let us know where in the world you are located and we may be able to point you in the direction of a supplier.

  38. Lindy Smith says

    Elaine, I would always use sugarpaste mixed with gum tragacanth rather than CMC becuase it makes a firmer paste. Regards Mexican paste, there are a number of ways of making this so I can’t say if your version would be better!!!
    Lindy

  39. Anne says

    Hi Lindy, Can you tell me if gum arabic is the same thing as gum tragacanth. I’ve found a recipe to make glitter and it says use gum arabic but I have never come across it. Can I use gum trag instead. Thanks. Anne

  40. Linda says

    Hi Lindy,
    I have been asked to make cupcakes for a wedding in September, topped with sugar-paste butterflies. When I made the samples, they looked beautiful. My question is, how long in advance could I make the butterflies? Will fondant icing start cracking after a certain amount of time? I would greatly appreciate your advice.
    Many thanks (Love the website by the way!)
    Linda

  42. Lindys Team says

    Hi Linda,

    The sugar-paste butterflies should last as long as the sugar paste is in date.
    Great to hear you like the website.

    Take care

    Marina

  43. Emma says

    Hi Guys, Just a ‘quikie’ what is added to marzipan to make it more pliable is it gum trag or cmc? thanks in advance p.s love ur page 🙂

  45. Laura says

    Hi Lindy,

    I’m very new to this! I’ve added my 1 tsp gum trag to my 250g sugarpaste and kneaded it well, rolled it into a nice ball and then placed it in fridge in clingfilm overnight to use tomorrow.. Is this right? It’s my first go using trag. Just want to know what should I expect it to be like tomorrow if all’s gone right? Also would you use this to make a model of a person? I’m doing a fishing theme cake and want to put him on the edge!

    Thanks, Laura xx

  47. samantha says

    hi i am
    a first timer cake decorator i am wanting to make figurines from fondant howwever i am finding that they tend to sag or collapase … how do i fix this :)?

  49. Sam says

    Hi Lindy,

    I’m just getting into cake decorating an I’ve found your site invaluable! I have one of your DVDs and have put a bunch of your books on my Christmas list.

    I was wondering if you could help me with one thing… Can you use Xantham Gum instead of gum trag to make modelling paste and flower paste?

    Many thanks,

    Sam

  50. Jane says

    Hello Sam,
    Xantham Gum is used as a thickener and is a substitute for eggs, dairy and soy. Unfortunately it is not suitable as a substitute for gum trag.
    Jane

  51. Kam says

    Hi, I get such alot of information from this site, it really is great.

    I’m going to add some gum trag to some black ready made fondant. About half a teaspoon to 250g as I need the decorations to dry a bit harder. I’m confused though. Do I add it and knead it in then leave it in the fridge over night before making decorations or do I add it, knead it, make decorations and then leave them in the fridge to harden?

    Many thanks
    Kam

  52. Lindys Team says

    Hi Kam

    Thank you for your question.

    Knead the gum trag into the sugarpaste and then leave overnight in an airtight container, not in the fridge. Then make your decorations the following day.

    Hope this helps.

    Zoe

  53. Maya says

    Hi Lindy,

    I live in Mexico City, do you know where can I buy the Gum Tragacanth? I’m a big fan of you.

    Thanks

    Maya

  54. Lindys Team says

    Dear Maya

    Have you tried searching online for somewhere near you that stocks it?

    You can buy the gum tragacanth from our online shop. We can ship to Mexico if it goes by international signed for delivery.

    Hope this helps!

    Regards

    Zoe

  55. Tricia says

    Hi, I am new to decorating cakes. I have made some figures and animals from fondant, can you tell me how long I can keep them for and how to store them? Do I have to refrigerate them?…many thanks…tricia

  56. Lindys Team says

    Dear Tricia

    Your fondant figures should last a long time. It’s best to keep them in a cardboard box, not in the fridge.

    Hope this helps. Good luck with your cake making!

    Zoe

  57. Hilary says

    Hi Lindy,

    I am currently making cake displays for one of the many wedding fairs I will be attending this year but I find that I am making more and more displays as the icing is breaking down and getting a bit grubby etc after a while even though I protect them from dust etc in boxes. Is there a gum or additive that I could add to the icing when covering these cakes to make them last a little longer.
    Love the new book, got it as present for Christmas, am trying to grab a few minutes here and there to finish it.
    Thanks
    Hilary

  59. Lauren says

    Hi Lindy,

    Im experimenting with my first couple of attempts to make roses. Ive mixed 1tsp Gum Trag with my fondant and left overnight, but when i start handling it the next day, it goes sticky and the petals fall. Do you know what i could be doing wrong?

    Thankyou

  60. Lindys Team says

    Hi Lauren

    It sounds like your paste could be too soft. In this case an extra pinch or two of gum tragacanth will be necessary.

    Hope this helps!

    Zoe

  61. Mark Edward Mifsud says

    Hi there 🙂
    I would like to ask you a question please. So I have sugar paste and i am going to add the Gum Tragacanth in it and i was told to add one tea spoon of powder with every 400 grams of sugar paste and leave it for 24hrs…should i leave it outside or put it in the fridge ??

    Thanks very much

    MARK (MALTA)

  63. Lindys Team says

    Hi Mark

    To make modelling paste, add 1tsp of gum tragacanth to 225g (8oz) sugarpaste. Knead it in, wrap in a plastic bag and leave overnight. This does not need to be in the fridge.

    Good luck!

    Zoe

  65. Kerry says

    Hi Lindy,

    I am new to 3D cake modelling and am so thankful to have recently discovered your website. I have found so many useful tips! I am making a flowerpot cake for my Grandad’s 80th (for Sunday) and a tiered spiderman/batman cake (for May 19th) for my son’s 5th birthday. To save leaving everything to the last minute, how early could I start making decorations such as flowers and models? I will be using the sugarpaste/gum tragacanth combination to create them.

    Kind Regards,

    Kerry

  66. Jane says

    Hello Kerry,
    You can make your flowers and models well in advance – weeks – and keep them in a cake box (not sealed Tupperware or similar as they will wilt).
    Jane

  67. Kirsty says

    Hello,
    I’ve got to make 100 cupcakes for a wedding with 2 fondant hearts sticking out of a buttercream swirl on top of each cupcake. I made some samples and after a few hours the hearts broke into two where they met the buttercream (had gone soggy). I am just wondering if i make the hearts a week in advance, would this still happen? Or if I made the hearts from a flower paste rather than sugarpaste, would this work? Or would they still go soggy on contact with the buttercream?
    Thanks in advance.

  68. Jane says

    Hello Kirsty,
    For all your decorations the rule of thumb is to use sugarpaste with some type of gum to make it into modelling paste, but for decorations that are coming into contact with cake or buttercream you need to use Pastillage. Sugarpaste/modelling paste will absorb moisture from the cake/buttercream and your decorations will wilt. Pastillage does not absorb the moisture so is ideal for decorations that come into contact with your cake/buttercream.
    Jane

  69. Erts says

    Hi Lindsy
    I live in South Africa and have a lot of questions
    I’ve tried to obtain Gum Tragacanth from our local cake shop and then pharmacies…. but they think I am crazy…
    In S.A. we buy Platinice how is this different from Sugarpaste or fondat.
    I never know when to use what?
    I made some booties using plastinice mixed with CMC and Tylose uncovered and after 3 days they went all sweety?
    To cover a cake with Plastinice is it not easier to start with a kind of ganach rather than buttercream icing – to give it a firmer surface.
    How long in advance can I bake a cake before I actually decorate it and how do I store it after baking?
    PLEASE I would really appreciate your help
    Erts

  70. Jane says

    Hello Erts,
    We can ship goods to South Africa, so if you want the Gum Trag we can get that to you.
    The type of recipe determines how long you can keep a cake. For the Madeira we say a week to decorate and a week to eat – so 2 weeks.
    I am not familiar with Platinice, so if anyone can help please post on our site.
    Jane

  71. Mariam says

    Hello there

    could anyone from the team or Lindy herself let me know how it went with the Agar Agar powder please?

    many thanks

    Mariam

  72. Lindys Team says

    Hi Mariam,
    Lindy did try the Agar Agar but found it to be no comparison to Gum Tragacanth.
    Each to their own though, others may like it.
    Have you tried it yet? If so, please let us know how you got on.
    Marina

  74. june says

    HI LINDY HAVE YOU ANY BOOKS THAT SHOW HOW TO MAKE YOUR BRIDE AND GROOM TOPPERS? I WOULD LOVE TO COME TO YOUR CLASS BUT I LIVE TOO FAR AWAY.THANKYOU

  76. kursheeda says

    is there another name for pastillage. i live in south africa. need to make toppers for buttercream icing. is it a dough form or powder that u add to plastic icing. im loving this thread. thanx

  77. Lindys Team says

    Hi Kursheeda

    You can buy pastillage in powder form to which you add water or you can make it yourself. It is made from egg white, icing sugar and gum tragacanth.

    Good luck!
    Zoe

  78. peter wilson says

    Hi
    My partner is doing some sugar paste modelling. She’s added some gum trag to her paste and it didn’t go hard enough to support her shapes – a bent leg. She left it overnight and it still was soft. She tried again with a little more and the next morning it was still the same. She then mixed some flower paste, sugarpaste and gum trag together. Strangely it started to crack where the leg joined the body but was still soft! Can you give us any advice?

  79. Lindys Team says

    Hi Peter
    Is your partner using the correct amount of gum trag to her paste, 1tsp of gum trag to 225g of sugarpaste? It sound like the mixture of flowerpaste, sugarpaste and gum trag was too dry and that will cause cracking. Is the leg being attached to sugarpaste? If it is the modelling paste will absorb moisture from the sugarpaste, and may soften. If the leg is being attached to sugarpaste, we would receommend using pastillage, which would not absorb any moisture from the sugarpaste. A recipe for pastillage is in most of Lindys cake decorating books, for example The Contemporary Cake Decorating Bible, http://www.lindyscakes.co.uk/shop/Contemporary-cake-decorating-bible-by-Lindy-Smith.html, and Cakes to Inspire and Desire, ww.lindyscakes.co.uk/shop/-Cakes-to-Inspire-and-Desire-Book-by-Lindy-Smith.html.
    Let us know how you get on, Fiona

  82. Nishani says

    Hello,
    Im new to cake decorating. I made some figures from sugarpaste brought from tescos ( ready to roll regalice) . but it was not hard enough and the figures were weighing down. WHat can I add to the shop brought icing to make it harder but not to crack. WHats the proportion to add?
    Please help.
    Thanks,
    Nishani

  83. Lindys Team says

    Hello Nishani

    You can add gum tragacanth or CMC Sugarcel to the sugarpaste to make it harden.

    You need 1 tsp to 225g (8oz) of sugarpaste. Knead the gum trag into the sugarpaste, wrap in a plastic bag and leave overnight. CMC Sugarcel works instantly so this is useful if you’re short on time.

    Good luck!

    Zoe

  84. Nishani says

    Hi Zoe,

    Thanks very much for your quick response. One more question. If im using Gum Tragacanth and keeping it overnight, when using wilton paste colours, when do I have to add colouring. When mixing the gum the day before or just before modelling?

    Thanks again.
    Nishani

  85. Lindys Team says

    Hi Nishani

    I think Lindy adds the paste colour first. If you add a lot of colour to the paste and it is too soft, you may need an extra pinch of gum trag.

    Regards

    Zoe

  86. Nishani says

    Hi,
    I need a CRUSTING BUTTERCREAM recipe which should turn out almost white – not the yellow with usual buttercream. Could you please share a recipe for a white crusting buttercream? What is Trex and would it help?
    Thanks a lot.
    Nishani

  87. Lindys Team says

    Hi Nishani
    Here is Lindy’s buttercream recipe. You can substitute the butter with Trex (white vegetable fat)to make white buttercream:-

    110g unsalted (sweet) butter, 350g icing (confectioners) sugar, 15-30ml milk or water, a few drops of vanilla extract or alternative flavouring.

    1. Place butter in the bowl and beat until light and fluffy.
    2. Sift the icing sugar into the bowl and continue to beat until the mixture changes colour. Add just enough milk or water to give a firm but spreadable consistency.
    3. Flavour by adding the vanilla or alternative flavouring, then store in an airtight container until required.

    Regards
    Zoe

  88. Hilary Dixon says

    Hi,

    I am about to attempt a magician’s cake for my son’s 6th birthday. It is basically going to be a black magicians hat with rabbit ears sticking out of the top. I also plan to make some playing cards and stars to decorate the cake. My question to you is, can I use gum tragacanth to create the ears and cards? I have never used it before so really unsure. Also, could i knead it in, roll, cut and then leave it overnight or should i knead it in, leave it overnight and then roll it out the next day?

    Thanks for any help you can offer! 🙂

    Hilary

  89. Lindys Team says

    Hi Hilary

    You can use gum tragacanth. It will make the sugarpaste dry harder. You will need 1 tsp for 225g sugarpaste. Knead the gum trag into the sugarpaste, wrap in a plastic bag and leave overnight. Alternatively you can use CMC which is a synthetic substitute which works almost straight away.

    Good luck with your cake!

    Zoe