Katira Goond
By: Anonymous

About

Katira Goond is a spice used in syrups, mayonnaise, sauces, liqueurs, candy, ice cream and popsicles. It is a thickening agent; it the primary thickening agent in Corn Huskers lotion.

Information
Other names: gum karaya, Tragacanth Gum, कटीरा गूंद
Translations: Катира Гоонд


Physical Description
Goond katira is the resin extracted from a particular tree. It looks like golden orange tan amall balls shaped. Katira goond occurs as tears of variable size and of a somewhat crystalline appearance. The tears are a translucent, pale yellow, with a slightly acetic odor and a mucilaginous, slightly acetic taste.
Colors: tan, light brown


Tasting Notes
Flavors: acidic
Mouthfeel: Gummy, Thick
Food complements: Syrups, Mayonnaise, Sauces, Liqueurs, Candy, Ice cream and popsicles
Wine complements: No wine.
Beverage complements: Milk, Milkshakes
Substitutes: Kadaya gum, Indian gum, Kuteera gum


Selecting and Buying
Seasonality: january, february, march, april, may, june, july, august, september, opctober, november, december
Buying: You can purchase at your local Indian wholefoods center or online.


Preparation and Use
Soak in water to use as a thickening agent
Cleaning: No cleaning is required.


Conserving and Storing
Store at room temperature in dry places. 


Social/Political
Gond katira is used as a medicine for acidity problems or excess of body heat problems.
History: Katira goond, which has only been available commercially since 1920, forms an extremely strong adhesive with small amounts of water. It is used as a medical adhesive, dye thickener, textile coating, emulsifier and paper fiber binder. "