Xanthan Gum

I'm currently listening to the audio book version of "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver. As I was half listening (because I was involved in another activity), I heard her mention that xanthan gum is made from corn.

I had thought it was made from a bacteria, and so it was a lab thing.

However, it turns out that it is made from corn, and that it gets its name from a bacteria. It's all rather confusing.

Since this is a common ingredient in gluten-free baking, and in salad dressings, I think I will have to do some more research.

Perhaps I should switch to guar gum; it's cheaper anyway.

**EDIT**

I have been informed that Xanthan Gum is indeed a bacteria, but it is grown on a corn substrate (molecule upon which an enzyme reacts). Thank you Just Jenn.