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Ethiopia Gum Arabic is a dry sap mostly found on the barks of the acacia tree. They are mainly collected as lumps that are mostly round and somewhat clear. The quantity collected varies with each tree. The acacia tree in its natural habitat grows to a height of not more than 15 meters tall with the shortest being 7 meters tall. Its branches are usually low and its stem is about 1.3 meters in diameter. 

The gum arabic got its name from European traders who were importing it from the Arabian ports to their trade areas. Gum trade at the time was also majorly influenced by the Arabs as well. The gum is yellow-brown and appears glassy. Good quality Arabic gum is pale with a matte surface texture.

Gum has a wide array of properties which contribute to its vast utility in the market. Some of these properties include low viscosity, high solubility, natural emulsification and stabilizing ability. Acacia gum is used in the food and confectionary industry employing its stabilizing and emulsifying properties in baking, beer production, among other things. It is also useful in the printing, art and photography industries where its solubility and viscosity properties are applied.

Production and harvesting of gum are at its peak mostly during the dry seasons. It is not advisable to harvest during the rainy season as the gum loses quality quickly during this season due to high moisture content in the atmosphere. In Ethiopia, the gum is produced in two systems. These systems are collection by natural oozing and collection by deliberately tapping

Just like most parts of Africa, gum Arabic production in Ethiopia is mostly from two main types of acacia trees. These are acacia Senegal and acacia seyal. Acacia Senegal is, however, the biggest producer as it produces the best quality glue. Farmers prefer to explore this variety more due to its high market returns. Acacia seyal is also produced though relatively not as much. It is mainly intended for the local market.

Senegal gum is collected directly from the bark of trees where it is naturally found. Knocking the tears to the ground may lead to it getting contaminated with dust. The collected gum is carried in a plastic basket.

The gum is then spread in the shade for seasoning. It is essential to season the gum to prevent the tears from compressing. It is then cleaned to get rid of impurities and stored in clean, well-ventilated sheds or rooms. They are packed in bags with polythene lining for marketing.

Desert gold is transported by air, road or rail. It is loaded to containers which should be clean and well ventilated to maintain the freshness of the product and uphold its market quality. In the case of sea shipping, it is crucial to ensure it does not interact with water to prevent it from clumping. Water levels in the containers should also be regulated.

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