Bread is a dietary staple in most cultures, and each region has its own unique take. Unfortunately, being gluten free limits your ability to enjoy bread, at least in its most traditional forms. Gluten free bread does exist, and it can be just as satisfying as its wheat-based cousins, but there are some key differences. Show Keep reading to learn more about gluten free bread and how it differs from traditional wheat-based bread. What Makes Gluten Free Bread Different?If you were to place a loaf of gluten free bread next to a traditional wheat-based loaf, they may not look significantly different on the outside. It all depends on the type of flour used, of course, which is something we’ll cover later in this article. Here are some of the key elements to look for that make gluten free bread different:
Every loaf of gluten free bread is different depending on the type of flour or flours used in the bake. Keep reading to learn about some of the best gluten free flours for baking bread at home. The Top 10 Gluten Free Flours for Homemade BreadIf you’d like to try your hand at gluten free breadmaking, you’ll need to assemble an assortment of gluten free flours. Certain flours work best for certain purposes, so take the time to learn the basics about each one so you can choose the best option for your recipe. Here is a quick overview of the top 10 gluten free flours for homemade bread:
Different gluten free flours behave in different ways, especially when you start mixing them together. If you’re new to gluten free baking, you may want to start with a gluten free recipe instead of trying to make substitution. Just remember, practice makes perfect! Tips for Choosing an All-Purpose Flour BlendWhen making gluten free bread at home you have two options. One option is to start with a gluten free bread recipe that features one or more gluten free flours. The other option is to take your favorite wheat-based bread recipe and substitute an all-purpose gluten free flour blend for the wheat flour. If you choose this option, there are some things you should look for in a good all-purpose flour blend:
If you can’t find an all-purpose blend that you’re happy with, you can always make your own! A simple recipe for a homemade gluten free all-purpose flour is 2 ½ cups of gluten free starch, 1 ½ cups of gluten free whole-grain flour, and 3 teaspoons of gluten free gum or psyllium husk powder. Not into baking? You’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of delicious gluten free breads that you can find at your local grocery store. Schär, offers an assortment of artisan-style loaves as well as sandwich rolls, crispbreads, and more. Check your local store or view our list of baked good here. What is the difference between glutenGluten free bread is often denser than wheat-based bread and some gluten free flours have a gritty texture. It has a shorter shelf-life. Not only does reheating gluten free bread cause it to go stale more quickly, but it generally doesn't last as long as wheat-based bread as a whole.
Is glutenThe most obvious benefit of gluten-free bread is that it allows people who cannot consume gluten to enjoy bread. However, from a nutritional standpoint, many gluten-free breads contain fewer nutrients, such as protein and fiber, than wheat breads, which are often fortified with additional nutrients as well ( 3 ).
What flour is glutenGluten-free breads are made using all sorts of grain and legume flours which are naturally free of gluten, including rice, almond, buckwheat, chickpea, sorghum, quinoa, and millet.
How healthy is gluten“Typically, the gluten-free products are higher in fat, higher in sugar, higher in salt and lower in fiber and your B vitamins and iron,” she said.
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