New Health Guide

Wheat Free Bread

Sep 14, 2013

image001Wheat free bread is beneficial for people who are allergic to wheat or have conditions such as celiac disease. The CCA advises that anyone who is allergic to or unable to consume wheat should avoid these and take advantage of the alternatives.

Wheat free bread is an alternative to the traditional bread made from wheat. Such bread has a different texture and taste; it also has a myriad of health benefits. What are the options of wheat free bread?

Types of Wheat Free Bread

1. Spelt

Although not recommended for people on a gluten free diet, spelt is ideal for people with wheat allergies. Used in the Roman era, it is available today as an alternative to wheat. You can buy it from the supermarkets. It tastes like wheat and has a texture like common bread. However, compared to wheat, it is higher in protein and easier to digest.

2. Millet

Originated from Africa and Egypt, this is an ancient grain with calcium, iron and phosphorous. Ground millet is easy to digest and makes creamy yellow bread that has a mild and sweet taste. Compared with other wheat free grains like corn, rice and oats, it has amino acid lysine.

3. Buckwheat

Despite its name having wheat components, it does not contain any wheat. It is close to the rhubarb vegetable and has a slight crunchy nutty taste. This makes it the best ingredient for a sandwich and toast. When purchasing buckwheat flour in the market, it is advisable to read the ingredients carefully because some are mixed with wheat.

4. Rice

Popular in the health stores and supermarkets, these bread types are much larger in size. They are often pre-sliced into thin squares and stored in freezers. Since the rice flour is dense and does not rise considerably when baked, it is often mixed with other types of flour. Some of the non wheat grains you can mix with rice flour include quinoa or amaranth, which improves the texture for smooth bread.

5. Quinoa

Quinoa is a seed from a Swiss chard related plant. Ideal for sandwich bread and toast; it can also be used in corn bread as a protein ingredient. Unlike the whole grain, it does not require rinsing before use. The quinoa flour can also be mixed with brown rice or sorghum for baking bread.

6. Sorghum

For gluten free bread that has a wheat taste, sorghum is appropriate. From “The Complete Book of Gluten-Free Cooking” by Jennifer Cinquepalmi, sorghum is more affordable than wheat flour. Sorghum bread is ideal for sandwiches, hamburger buns and rolls.

Brands of Wheat Free Bread

You can buy wheat alternatives from health stores and supermarket. The mayoclinic.com points out that children also have these allergies although they disappear in some as they grow older.

1. UDI’s

Celiac Central reports that UDI non wheat products bread types are available in supermarkets and other locations. You can find a store near you online. These have whole grain bread, white sandwich and cinnamon raisin bread. The products also include rice, potato starch and cornstarch. There are also the UdI bakeries and restaurants for wheat free sandwiches, bagels, pizza, muffins and granola.

2. The Grainless Baker

The Grainless baker provides different types of wheat free bread and bread delicacies. These can be bought online, and its products are made from rice flour, cornstarch, tapioca and potato. It has different products including; cinnamon raisin bread, bread crumbs, rye bread, baguettes, and sandwich bread; it also has pizza crust, bagels, cookies, cakes, muffins and crackers safe for people with celiac disease and wheat allergies.

3. Chebe Bread

The products are available online and in supermarkets with several breadstick flavors, pizza crust mixes, cinnamon roll mix and bread products. These are also free from corn, soy, rice, potato, nuts and rice. It has bread mixes or dough for easy homemade baking with gluten free flour. For rolls, sandwich bread foccacia bread and breadsticks, the Chebe Bread has completely wheat free products.

Homemade Wheat Free Bread Recipes

1. Soda Bread

Description

Made from rice flour, the bread uses bicarbonate of soda as leavening.

How to Make

  • Using 450g of rice flour, add a level teaspoon baking soda, a teaspoon of tartar cream and a pinch of salt.
  • Mix until smooth and add 25g margarine, 250 ml milk, and an egg.
  • Knead for two minutes, shape into a mound and place in baking sheet.
  • Cut a deep cross into it slightly and bake at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes.
  • Serve warm.

2. Wheat-free White Bread

Description

This is a wheat free white bread made in the breadmaker, recommended by CookingBread.com.

How to Make

  • Place a mixture of an egg, and 1 1/3 cup of water in your bread maker.
  • Add 1 tbsp honey, ¼ cup melted butter, and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
  • Separately mix in a bowl ½ cup of corn flour, 1 tablespoon xanthum gum, 1 Tbsp sugar, and 4 Tbsp powdered milk.
  • Add to the bread maker and sprinkle 1 tablespoon yeast over it.
  • Set the breadmaker with the basic settings and 2 lb. Bake and let the bread cool for 10 minutes.