Gumikban

Gumikban is a traditional Korean confectionery made from a mixture of sugar, water, and gum Arabic, a natural gum resin derived from the acacia tree. The name "gumikban" is a combination of the Korean words for gum and candy, reflecting its primary ingredients. The process of making gumikban involves heating sugar and water to a high temperature until it forms a thick syrup, then adding gum Arabic to thicken it further. This mixture is then poured into molds and allowed to cool and harden.

Gumikban has a distinctive chewy texture and a sweet, slightly bitter flavor. It is often used as a filling for various Korean sweets, such as patbingsu (shaved ice dessert) and hwachae (red bean paste-filled doughnuts). In addition to its culinary uses, gumikban is also used in traditional Korean medicine for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties.

The history of gumikban can be traced back to ancient Korea, where it was used as a sweetener and medicinal ingredient. Over time, its popularity has grown, and it has become an essential component of Korean confectionery. Today, gumikban is widely available in Korean markets and is enjoyed by people of all ages for its unique taste and texture.