Gond katira is the dried sap of thorny Astragalus shrubs, also known as gum tragacanth. It looks like off-white or translucent flakes, and when soaked in water it swells into a soft, clear jelly with almost no flavor.
History
Tragacanth has been collected for thousands of years and was recorded by ancient Greek and Roman writers. In India and the Middle East it has long been used in traditional summer drinks and desserts, which is how gond katira found its place in Indian kitchens.
Where it comes from
The shrubs grow in dry, mountainous regions of Iran, Turkey, Syria and neighboring countries. Most commercial gum tragacanth comes from Iran and Turkey.
Flavor and how to use it
Soak a teaspoon of flakes in a large glass of water for 4-8 hours, until it swells into a jelly. Stir it into falooda, rose sharbat, lemonade and other cold drinks and desserts. It is a texture ingredient rather than a flavor.
Good to know
Do not confuse gond katira with gond (edible acacia gum), which is fried in ghee to puff up and used in warming winter sweets in India. Use only food-grade gum from a trusted shop.
Buying and storing
Keep the dry flakes in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place. Once soaked, use the jelly within a day or two and refrigerate it.
In kitchens and traditions
Gond katira, from the Astragalus tree (tragacanth gum), is a translucent gum used in Indian and Pakistani summer drinks and sweets. It is soaked in water, where it swells into a jelly, and it is valued in traditional cooling drinks such as falooda and sherbet.
It also appears in some winter sweets, such as laddus made with gum, nuts and ghee, as part of traditional recipes. Health claims in traditional systems vary and should be treated cautiously.
Good pairings and ideas
- Soak overnight and add to rose or lemon sherbet.
- Mix into falooda with basil seeds and vermicelli.
- Add to milk drinks with sugar.
- Use in traditional laddu recipes.
Frequently asked questions
Why does it swell so much?
The gum absorbs many times its weight in water to form a gel.
How much should I use?
A small amount, such as 1 teaspoon of crystals, makes a large amount of jelly.
Is it safe?
Use moderate amounts, and ask a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or have a medical condition.
This page is general information, not medical advice. If you have allergies, a medical condition or are pregnant, check with a qualified professional before using any food in larger amounts than usual.