Gluten

Gluten is found in wheat, barley, rye and related grains. Wikipedia defines it as “the composite of the storage proteins gliadin and a glutenin, and is conjoined with starch in the endosperm of various grass-related grains. ..”

Some researchers have identified it as a trigger for adverse immunologic reactions in certain individuals.

One researcher though has argued that it might be modern baking methods that cause such symptoms. Stephen Jones believes that “the true problem with bread is how we make it. In commercial bakeries, rising time has been winnowed from hours or even days down to mere minutes, thanks to fast-acting yeasts and additives. By contrast, the team in Jones’ laboratory, located in a rural stretch along Puget Sound, lets dough rise for as long as 12 hours—and they’ve found that the longer it rises, the less potent the gluten that remains in the finished bread…”

Lots of research is going on out there. Personally, I try to keep my intake of commercially processed foods, — including bread and other baked goods — to a minimum.

For those who wish to avoid gluten in their diet, here is a recipe for a delicious, gluten-free dish:

Grilled Pork with Blackberry Basil Sauce

Ingredients:

2 Tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 (2 lb.) pork tenderloin
1 Tablespoon olive oil
2 cups blackberries
1 Tablespoon sliced fresh basil
2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar
1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
Fresh basil leaves

steps

1. Coat grill rack with nonstick cooking spray. Preheat grill to medium-high (350°F–400°F). In a small bowl combine brown sugar and garlic powder; set aside.
2. Brush pork with oil; season with salt and pepper to taste, and rub with brown sugar mixture.
3. Grill pork 20 minutes or until an instant-read thermometer registers 145°F, turning several times. Remove and let stand 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, for the sauce, in a small saucepan combine blackberries, basil, vinegar, granulated sugar, lemon juice and 3 tablespoons water. Cook over medium heat until blackberries start to break down. Add water if needed.
5. Slice pork; serve with sauce and garnish with basil.

 

Be well !!

 — Azul

 

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten

http://www.alternet.org/real-problem-bread-its-probably-not-gluten?akid=12809.122051.l9jUzo&rd=1&src=newsletter1032113&t=6

http://martinsfoods.com/recipes-and-meals/recipes/grilled-pork-with-blackberry-basil-sauce/