Gluten-Free Living: Cooking Tips (2024)

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Gluten-Free Living

Gluten-Free Living: Cooking Tips (1)Jun 2, 2023

Are You Gluten Free?

  • Peanuts are a nutrient-rich food and are naturally gluten-free.
  • Gluten-free peanut flour is a nutritious substitute for traditional flours
  • For more resources, jump to the bottom of the page.

Those with gluten sensitivity or celiac disease must maintain a gluten-free diet. More than two million people in the United States have the disease or about one in 133 people (1). Others may choose to go gluten-free in order to manage a sensitivity or in an effort to be healthier. There is no evidence that suggests that gluten is unsafe for anyone who does not suffer from celiac disease or allergy or intolerance.

Living gluten-free can be a challenge. It’s important to know that peanuts, peanut butter, peanut flour and peanut oil are considered naturally gluten-free foods. Gluten is a form of protein found in wheat, barley and rye (2). It causes intestinal damage in those with gluten sensitivity or Celiac disease and is found in wheat, barley and rye – so they and anything made from them must be strictly avoided. This makes enjoying conventionally prepared baked goods, many sauces, and even ice cream a challenge.

Like peanuts and peanut butter, the uses are endless for defatted peanut flour. Whether you’re dredging chicken for a crispy coating or ramping up a smoothie or soup with a protein boost; peanut flour is a great way to add flavor, texture and nutrients to any recipe. Plus, when mixed with rice or tapioca flour, peanut flour can be a perfect solution for baking cookies, breads, waffles or even dumplings.

Peanut flour not only adds flavor to a dish, it also adds important nutrients that people on a gluten-free diet need. “Grains are an important part of a healthy diet. They are a good source of complex carbohydrates, various vitamins and minerals and are naturally low in fat. Because people with celiac disease must avoid gluten… it can be a challenge to get enough grains.2”

Peanut products like defatted peanut flour offer a variety of nutrients also found in grains. Peanut flour is very low in saturated fat and cholesterol. It is also a good source of folate, magnesium, copper and phosphorus, and an excellent source of niacin, and manganese. Regardless of how you incorporate peanut flour, it is a nutrient-dense food that is a great addition to a nutritious diet.

Gluten-free Cooking Tips

With wheat flour in so many foods – from the obvious baked goods and pasta to the not-so-obvious soup stocks, condiments and even alcoholic beverages – maintaining a gluten-free diet can become time-consuming. Here are some quick tips for managing a gluten-free lifestyle:

  • Become an avid label reader. Many foods contain gluten that you wouldn’t expect to find so make sure you always read the ingredient label.
  • Focus on naturally gluten-free foods: eat fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes like peanuts. Many packaged goods contain a plethora of complex ingredients, making it hard to determine if the product is gluten-free.
  • Wheat-free is not gluten free. Wheat-free doesn’t mean the product doesn’t contain rye or barley so be sure to read labels.
  • When in doubt, go without. If you are unsure of the ingredients in a product then don’t eat it.

Additional Resources:

References

  1. “Celiac Disease.” Sept. 2008. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC). MedlinePlus. 13 Apr. 2009 http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/celiac/
  2. “Celiac Disease Defined.” 5 Jan. 2009. Celiac Spruce Association. MedlinePlus. 13 Apr. 2009 http://www.csaceliacs.org/celiac_defined.php.
  3. “Celiac disease diet: How do I get enough grains?” 31 May 2008. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). MedlinePlus. 13 Apr. 2009 http://www.mayoclinic.com/print/celiac-disease/AN00303/METHOD=print#.
Gluten-Free Living: Cooking Tips (2024)

FAQs

What is the secret of baking with gluten-free flour? ›

Use xanthan gum or guar gum: Gluten-free flours lack the elasticity and structure that gluten provides, so adding a binder like xanthan or guar gum can help to hold the ingredients together and give your baked goods a better texture.

How do you cook for someone who is gluten-free? ›

To cook for a gluten-free guest, follow these guidelines: Cook from scratch: To avoid hidden gluten, use whole, fresh ingredients. Avoid "convenience" ingredients such as gravy mixes, soup mixes, bottled sauces, salad dressings, condiments, and seasoning mixes, since these may contain gluten-based ingredients.

What is gluten belly? ›

Gluten belly, also known as wheat belly, is a common phrase that refers to stomach swelling after eating gluten as a result of bloating. Along with bloating, one may also develop symptoms such as stomach pain, flatulence, or irregular bowel movements.

Do Clorox wipes remove gluten? ›

No, bleach only sanitizes gluten. Sanitizing and cleaning are not the same thing. Sanitizing makes it “sterile.” Scrubbing with soap and water can remove gluten from surfaces such as your kitchen counter or cooking utensils.

Does the dishwasher clean gluten? ›

To clean them, we recommend using a dish detergent with a clean brush or sponge, and rinsing with water. Also, putting items through the dishwasher is sufficient to clean off gluten, just make sure to clean any visible debris off before loading it into the dishwasher.

Can celiacs share pots and pans? ›

Answer. As long as the non-stick pans are cleaned with water, dish soap and a clean sponge/brush, then rinsed, they should be fine to use.

What is the key to gluten free baking? ›

Gluten-free baked goods often benefit from extra liquid to hydrate the flour blends, eliminate grittiness, and achieve a less dense or dry texture. However, it's very important to drive off this extra moisture during baking, or you'll wind up with a gummy texture. The best way to do this? Longer baking times.

Does oatmeal have gluten? ›

Yes, pure, uncontaminated oats are gluten-free. The U. S. Food and Drug Administration considers oats a gluten-free grain under its gluten-free labeling regulations and only requires that packaged products with oats as an ingredient contain less than 20 parts per million of gluten overall.

What does baking soda do in gluten free baking? ›

Texture and Rise: Gluten-free baking often requires a bit of finesse to achieve the desired rise and texture. Baking soda's reaction with an acid can help achieve that necessary lift, while baking powder provides an extra boost when the batter or dough is exposed to heat.

What are the worst foods for celiac disease? ›

In general, avoid the following foods if you have celiac disease: Cereals, breads, or other grain products that include wheat, rye, barley, or oats. This includes white or whole-wheat flour (including cookies, crackers, cakes, and most other baked goods), semolina, couscous, bread crumbs, most pastas, and malt.

Are potatoes gluten-free? ›

The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable. That's good news for people who can't tolerate gluten because they have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

What heat destroys gluten? ›

It is not realistic the elimination of gluten (GIP) at home kitchen by heat as temperatures higher that 200°C (392°F) are needed. Extended processing time is no compatible with conventional recipes. Fat processing over 200 is link with toxic metabolites generation which may be harmful.

Does washing dishes remove gluten? ›

While gluten cannot be “killed off,” dishes must still be washed thoroughly to eliminate any remaining particles on them. Dish soap combined with warm water accomplishes this much more effectively than simply running dishes under water.

Do potatoes have gluten? ›

The simple answer is yes — potatoes are gluten-free. Gluten is a type of protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and other grains. Potatoes aren't grains, they're a type of starchy vegetable. That's good news for people who can't tolerate gluten because they have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

What are three cons of gluten-free? ›

As a result of processing, gluten free foods are more likely to be low in essential nutrients such as calcium, fibre, iron and vitamin B12.

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