Setting Up A Gluten Free Kitchen

Changing your diet after being diagnosed with gluten sensitivity can be a challenge; especially, when you are the only one in your family who is on a gluten free diet. To cook gluten free meals, you will need to make a gluten free zone in your kitchen. With careful planning, maintaining a gluten free kitchen is easy and a learning experience for everyone in the family.

When setting up a gluten free kitchen, cross contamination is a concern for anyone with gluten sensitivity. Cross contamination is a phenomenon that occurs when gluten free food is accidentally contaminated by foods containing gluten. For example, if you use the same toaster to prepare whole wheat and gluten free toast, you increase the likelihood of cross contamination. Using the same butter for gluten free and non-gluten free foods is another way to cross contaminate foods. Educating everyone in the family about celiac disease and gluten intolerance and how to maintain a gluten free kitchen decreases the likelihood of cross contamination.

To set up a gluten free kitchen, create a separate space in the kitchen for gluten free food preparation. There should be a section of the pantry and the refrigerator for gluten free foods. Foods containing gluten should be kept as far away from gluten free foods as possible. If you have children with gluten sensitivity, remove foods containing gluten from easily accessible areas of the kitchen. Make sure gluten sensitive children understand which foods are safe and gluten free, so they can make healthy choices when preparing a snack or meal. Clearly identify gluten free foods with a large GF label. People with gluten sensitivity will also need a different set of condiments including sugar, butter and jellies to avoid cross contamination. In addition, you will need to purchase additional sets of cutlery, a toaster, cutting board and cookware. The new cookware, toaster and cutlery, should be clearly labeled GF and used only for gluten free meals. You will also need to create a separate drawer for utensils and cookware used for gluten free foods. When preparing a gluten free meal, avoid cross contamination by using separate cookware, utensils, cutting board or toaster. Lastly, explain to children and loved ones how to use and maintain a gluten free kitchen for everyone’s safety. Teach everyone gluten free food handling skills. Families who understand celiac disease and gluten intolerance are more likely to practice gluten safe food preparation. Maintaining a gluten free diet is possible even if other members of the family are not gluten intolerant.