Gum Arabic is the highly nutritive hardened sap of acacia trees, cultivated or found in the wild, throughout West Asia, Arabia and the Sahel. It is used as an natural emulsifier and coating in confections and soft drinks. A notable use is as a glaze for chocolates, pastris, fruits and shiny, extra-crunchy, “varnished” nuts (1 part gum arabic dissolved in 2 parts water for 20 parts nuts). The shiny glaze also hold in moisture and increases shelf life. Gum arabic can also be used to bind and thicken sauces, soups, dressings and ices, and to hold essential oil and water mixtures in suspension.