Cooking Tips

How to Cook a Lobster

Lobsters are loved for their tender meat and if cooked well, can make a delicious meal. Because of their size and shells, knowing how to cook a lobster properly can be challenging. Different cooking methods require lobsters to be prepped in different ways and cooked for varying periods of time. Use these helpful guidelines and tips on how to cook a lobster the right way.

Buying the Best Lobster

To ensure freshness, lobsters should always be purchased live. The best lobster vendors usually have live lobsters displayed in a water tank. If you intend on using lobster meat in recipes, it is advisable to choose smaller lobsters. If you want to eat lobster as a meal on its own, bigger is better. Lobster sizes usually range from 1 pound to 5. The size you pick will depend on the number of people you want to feed or how much lobster meat your recipe requires.

If you are into lobster tails, I created an entire post wherein I shared some tips on how to buy lobster tails.

How to Cook a Lobster on Stovetop

The two basic ways to cook a lobster on stovetop is boiling and steaming. While boiling is easier and faster, steaming preserves flavor and can prevent overcooking the lobster meat. For both cooking methods, you will need:
• Whole fresh lobsters
• Sea salt as needed
• Butter and other seasonings to taste

Boiling Whole Lobsters

Make sure you have a large pot that can sit whole lobsters comfortably without overcrowding. Fill the pot with water and add about a tablespoon of sea salt. The general rule of thumb is to pour 3 quarts of water per 1-2 pounds of lobster.
Bring the water to a boil, drop in the lobsters and begin tracking the cooking time. Use the cooking time guidelines below.
• 1 lb. = 8 minutes
• 1 ½ lb. =11-12 minutes
• 2 lbs. =15 minutes
• 2 ½ lbs. =20 minutes
• 3 lbs. = 25 minutes
• 5 lbs. = 40 minutes
Lobsters are cooked when the shell is bright red and the meat between the carapace and tail is white. Use shears to crack open the shell, season with butter, salt, pepper, garlic powder and other seasonings, and serve.

Steaming Whole Lobsters

Steaming is a great way to learn how to cook a lobster because it is gentler and less strict on cooking times than boiling.

Add water and a tablespoon of sea salt to a pot. Bring to the boil.
Arrange lobsters on a steaming rack and place it over the boiling salted water. Steam covered. To determine steaming time, just add 2 minutes to the recommended boiling times above. 1 pound of lobster, for instance, should take 10 minutes to steam.

How to Cook a Lobster in the Oven

Boil lobsters in salted water for 3 minutes max in a large pot. Remove from pot and plunge into ice water and let it cool for 5 minutes.
Remove from ice water and use kitchen shears to slice the lobster lengthwise. Peel off the top shell and take out the innards. Separate the knuckle and claw.
Brush the whole lobster with softened butter and bake in 400F heat. Lobster is ready when it reaches 140F on a meat thermometer or the meat is white and tender. Season with salt and spices. Serve.

You might also want to refer to this post for more information on how to cook lobster.

How Do You Fry Pork?

There are more than 20 different ways to fry pork. It all depends on the cut of meat that we have available and our preference on a given time. For example, pork chops can be breaded and then deep fried, while pork belly is best done crispy. This means that it has to be boiled, seasoned, and deep fried until a crispy and crunchy texture is achieved. There are also times when it all depends on our mood or whether we have enough time to do the activity. On a lazy day, I just rub salt all over it and fry the pork directly in hot oil.

Although I really love to cook and might have tried some ways of frying pork (whether it is the simple way or otherwise), I know that there are still some pork frying methods that I have not tried or that are new to me. You might know better.

I am curious. Can you tell me the different ways on how you fry pork?

Let me go first. Here are some ways that I fry pork:

Rub with salt and dredge in flour

I do this on busy days when I have lesser time to spend in the kitchen, and needed a quick chow. Salt is rubbed all over the pork and then I dredge it in flour. The pork is pan fried until it browns. The flour prevents the oil from splattering and it also gives my fried pork a nice texture. This method works with pork belly (I prefer it sliced into individual pieces), or with pork chop. It is also perfect for pork shoulder and tenderloin.

Fry in own fat

There are times when Fried pork is needed as an ingredient in some dishes that I prepare; Apan-apan is a good example. Small pieces of fried pork are added to enhance the dish and make it taste better. The pork pieces are placed directly on a hot wok or pan. The heat extracts the oil from the pork and it accumulates later-on enough to fry it.

Boil, Season, and Deep Fry

There are times when pork needs to be boiled before frying. Boiling makes it tender and gives is a more crisp texture when fried later on. This is true to dishes such as lechon kawali and crispy pata. Both these crispy pork dishes needed to be boiled first and then deep fried to attain that nice texture. Seasonings such as salt and pepper are rubbed before deep frying the pork.

Bread and Deep Fry

I adore deep fried breaded pork chop. I like how its nice and crunchy in the outside while moist and juicy in the inside. The pork is seasoned and then dipped in beaten egg and then dredged in flour. I do the dipping and dredging twice for best results. This is a regular thing once every two weeks, just like how ginisang monggo is any given Friday.

Tonkatsu Style

Similar to breaded pork, Tonkastu style pork is cooked the same way. The difference is the type of breading used. This method uses Panko breadcrumbs. Pork Loin Tonkatsu is a dish that I made using this method. I like how moist the pork gets while I get a crunch in every bite.

Fry directly in oil

When I get really lazy or if I just want simple fried pork, I go for this method. Season the pork chop and fry directly in oil. You can also simply fry it directly without any seasoning – dip it in ketchup later-on or in ponzu (toyo + calamansi) for extra flavor. Fried pork chops fall into this category.

How to Make Gingerbread

Gingerbread is a flavor-rich dessert that gets its unique taste from adding ground ginger. It can either take the form of a cake or cookies. The cake is moist and made from soft dough. Ginger cookies are made from firmer dough and are often cut into miniature gingerbread men. Learn how to make gingerbread cake and cookies for a delectable dessert everyone will love.

Choosing Ingredients for Gingerbread

Learning how to make gingerbread cake and cookies need only a few ingredients. Main ingredients include ginger, eggs, flour, butter and baking soda. Gingerbread can be sweetened using sugar, but nutritionists encourage cooks to use molasses instead. Molasses are by-products of the sugar-making process and have more nutrients than white and brown sugar. In some cases, both sugar and molasses are used.

How to Make Gingerbread Cake

This type of gingerbread is called a cake because of its spongy, moist texture and rich flavor. To make one, you will need:

½ cup unsalted butter
½ cup white sugar
1 cup regular molasses
1 large egg, beaten
1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
2 ½ cup flour
½ teaspoon table salt
1 cup water

Step 1:

Start the recipe by combining butter, sugar, molasses and egg in a large bowl. Whisk together to mix.

Step 2:

In a separate bowl, mix together the baking soda, ginger, cinnamon, flour and salt. Add it in portion into the butter-sugar mixture, mixing well after every addition. Add the hot water and combine thoroughly.

Step 3:

Bake in 350F heat in the oven for 45 minutes to an hour, or until a fork is inserted in the middle and comes out clean. Remove from oven, let it cool and serve.

How to Make Gingerbread Cookies

Gingerbread cookies are much firmer in texture and can be shaped and decorated to your liking. You will need:

½ unsalted butter, softened
½ cup white or brown sugar
½ cup molasses or syrup
1 egg yolk
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 ½ cups flour
Candy and icing to decorate

Step 1:

Grease a large baking tray with a bit of softened butter. Preheat oven to 180 C.

Step 2:

Beat butter and sugar together, followed by molasses/syrup and egg yolk in a bowl. In another bowl, combine ginger, cinnamon, baking soda and flour. Sift the mixture into the butter-sugar mixture and mix well.

Step 3:

Cover dough with cling wrap and chill in the fridge for half an hour. Remove from fridge, roll out the dough and use a cookie cutter to make desired shapes. Bake until golden brown, cool and decorate with candy and icing.

How to Make Gingerbread Cooking Tips

It is important when learning how to make gingerbread to chill the dough before rolling out, cutting or baking it. Lay the dough on parchment paper when cutting shapes to keep it from breaking apart. If making gingerbread cookies, it is best to allow them to cool before applying decorating.

A Guide to Cooking Barley

Barley is a grain most popular for being an ingredient in beer. Many people also prefer having it for breakfast instead of oatmeal. Regardless of how it is enjoyed, it is a healthy staple filled with important nutrients. Cooking barley regularly prevents a host of illnesses and helps you maintain good health.

Common Uses of Barley

Although is it widely used to make alcoholic beverages, barley has other healthier uses. It is a cereal grain much like oatmeal and can be enjoyed in the same way. Cooks also add it to stews and soups for richer flavor and texture. When cooked correctly, barley can replace white rice, cous cous and other grains.

Health Benefits of Barley

The main nutrient in barley is fiber. When fiber combines with the minerals and vitamins this grain has to offer, it can have a powerful, positive effect on your health. Cooking barley the right way can help with everything from digestion to cancer prevention.

Fiber

Discovered to be an excellent source of dietary fiber, barley’s effect on digestion has not gone unnoticed. Fiber plays a role in the transit of food from your intestines to the bowels. It helps break down food at a steady pace to regulate blood sugar and moves food along to prevent constipation.

In addition to normalizing digestion, it firms up stools in the colon and aids in excretion. Fiber is also promotes healthy digestive bacteria, helps destroy harmful bacteria in the tract and flushes out bile acids to lower your cholesterol.

Manganese

Eating barley more often can do wonders for people with bone-related conditions. It contains more than half the manganese you need daily. Manganese builds, strengthens and supports bones and connective tissue. It can add density to weakened bones and improve the flexibility of joints.

Selenium and Copper

Adding barley to meals can improve your body’s response to sickness and disease. It is high in selenium and copper, minerals that protect cells and fight off infections. These nutrients also restore the thyroid gland associated with weight regulation and boost energy by improving iron absorption.

Chromium, Magnesium and Phosphorus

As you age, the muscular-skeletal system deteriorates. This includes bones, muscles, joints and nerves. To maintain the health of this system, you need adequate amounts of chromium, magnesium and phosphorus. Fortunately, barley is rich in all three minerals.

Vitamin B

There are two more reasons why you should make barley your main grain: vitamin B1 and vitamin B3. B1 takes care of your nervous system and heart while B3 turns carbs and fats into much-needed energy.

Cooking Barley

Cooking barley is not that different from preparing other grains. However, its hull is much tougher and takes longer to cook. Combine one cup of barley with 2 ½ cups of water, bring to a boil and simmer until tender and fluffy. This usually takes 40 minutes to an hour.

Barley can be boiled in broth for more flavor or served with milk for breakfast. Another way of serving barley is adding it to soup or a salad. You might also enjoy barley risotto. It doesn’t matter how you eat it. The important thing is to make sure you do.

How Long to Boil Lobster

Lobster meat is sweet and succulent, not to mention highly nutritious. Cold water lobster, in particular, is meaty and considered to be of the highest quality. Lobster can be prepared by boiling, steaming or baking. While it is relatively easy to cook, many are still unclear about how long to boil lobster. Here are some tips on how long to boil lobster and eat it without the mess.

Health Benefits of Lobster

Although lobster can be costly, it makes up for it in taste and nutrients. The meat in lobster is protein-rich, which means you’re likely to feel satisfied after a serving. Lobsters also have enough magnesium and potassium. When these minerals combine with protein, they can help repair and add strength to muscle and bone.

In addition to muscle building nutrients, lobster also contains amounts of zinc and vitamins B and C. these nutrients are charged with making sure your body is protected from diseases.

Find the Best Lobster

When buying lobster, you should avoid going for the cheapest. If it seems to be too good of a deal, chances are you’re getting low-quality, warm water lobster. The best kind is cold water lobster. Cold water lobster is expensive because it is imported from countries like New Zealand and South Africa. Female cold water lobsters are believed to be larger, therefore providing more meat.

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How Long to Boil Lobster

Boiling is an easy, fast cooking technique for cooking whole lobsters. To boil, you will need:

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 12

Total Time 17

Servings

Author Vanjo Merano

Ingredients

Fresh lobsters preferably cold water (one per person)
Salt
Garlic butter

Instructions

Fill a large pot with about three quarters full with cold water. Add a teaspoon or two of salt and boil.
Add lobster to boiling water so it dives head first.
This step is the most important. Knowing how long to boil lobster depends on its weight. Cook lobsters for 12 minutes at first. From there, add 1 minute of cooking time for every ¼ pound. When done, lobster meat should be opaque.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g

How to Eat Lobster

To eat lobster with minimal mess, you will need:

Nut cracker
Bowl
Kitchen sears (optional)

Step 1:

Cut off claws by twisting them at the joints. Crack open the main claw with a nut cracker. Discard shells and pry inside to take out the meat.

Step 2:

Gently break the jaw by pulling it back. Do the same with legs.

Step 3:

The lobster tail is full of meat and should be handled with care. With both hands, hold the tail in one hand and the body in another. Gently pull the lobster tail back until it breaks away from the body. Pluck out flippers from the tail and insert a finger into the gaps left by flippers. Push meat out and cut out any meat lying on the underside too.

Knowing how long to boil lobster is the secret to well-cooked, tender lobster meat. Calculate the cooking time prior to cooking using the method on step 3. When meat is opaque and soft, cut shell open and serve with garlic butter, tartar sauce, salsa verde and other delicious sauces.

What is Guacamole?

If you are a fan of Mexican food, you’re well aware that a dish is not complete without a serving of guacamole. Guacamole literally means “avocado sauce”. It is a tasty, and sometimes spicy, condiment that can be enjoyed with a variety of foods. Originally from Mexico, guacamole has now become a favorite around the world.

What is Guacamole Made From?

The main ingredient of this creamy sauce is avocado. Avocadoes are mashed to form the base of the sauce. Thereafter, other ingredients can be added to it for more flavors. Many prefer to add diced onions and tomatoes with spicy seasoning. Others like it milder with yoghurt, or acidic with lime juice. You can also substitute avocado for edamame, which is a low-calorie alternative.

What is Guacamole Used for?

Guacamole is mainly used as a dip for chips and crackers. You can also use it as a spread on bread, or as a topping. It is best served with nachos and tortillas. If you prefer, you can eat guacamole alone as a salad. However, there are many who find avocado to be too fatty and difficult to keep down without bread or vegetables.

What is Guacamole’s Effect on Your Health?

Avocadoes have plenty of nutrients to offer. They contain high amounts of vitamins C and E, known for strengthening the immune system and improving nerve function. These vitamins are also beneficial for muscle, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. Avocadoes are also one of the top sources of unsaturated healthy fat, which can reduce bad cholesterol and protect your heart.

If you are trying to lose weight or maintaining it, you need to watch your guacamole intake. Avocadoes can be high in calories, with the average avocado containing more than 300 calories. Choose whole grain bread when using it as a spread, and whole wheat crackers and chips when using it as dip. Eat in moderation.

How to Make Guacamole

Now that you know what guacamole is, you can learn how to make it at home. For a basic recipe, you’ll need:

2 medium avocadoes

½ medium tomato

½ medium onion

1 clove of garlic

2 tablespoons of black pepper

1 teaspoon lime juice

A pinch of salt

Step 1:

Mince all of your ingredients except for avocadoes

Step 2:

Cut avocadoes open and remove the pip inside. Use a spoon to scoop out the flesh, place in a dish and mash.

Step 3:

Add all other ingredients to mashed avocadoes and serve.

As you can see, making guacamole at home is very simple. After making the sauce, it is best to refrigerate it for 20 minutes to half an hour. You can substitute lime juice for lemon juice, and pepper for hot spices like paprika. If you are prone to stomach ulcers, it is best to avoid hot seasoning and opt for salt only instead.

Guacamole is an exceptional additional to any dish. With its creamy, rich texture and nutritional benefits, it is the ideal side dish for everything from chips and sandwiches.

What is Truffle Oil?

Truffle oil was once considered an exotic ingredient and used mainly by professional chefs. Today, it has become a common item in kitchens worldwide and comes in several varieties. Truffle oil comes highly recommended because it adds flavor and a great aroma to meals. It is also one of the healthier oils on the market today.

What is Truffle Oil Made of?

Truffle oil is essentially oil that has been infused with the taste and smell of truffles. Truffles are natural growths that are found mostly near trees. They are fungi which bear resemblance to mushrooms. Because they are difficult to harvest, pigs and trained dogs are used to find them. There are many kinds of truffles and therefore many types of truffle oils.

The most popular kinds of truffle oils are black, white, burgundy, garlic and Hungarian. Black truffle oil is made from French black truffles, a popular item on most 5-star eateries. White truffle oil is sourced from Italian truffles, which are known for having a taste and scent similar to garlic. Burgundy truffle oil gives food a cornmeal flavor, while Hungarian truffle oil is much sweeter in taste.

What is Truffle Oil Used For?

Cooks use truffle oil to inject some flavor into mild-tasting foods. You can also use this oil as dressings for salads, fish, scampi, meats, pastas and pizzas. Combine truffle oil with a little olive oil, mustard, vinegar and lemon juice to make vinaigrette. Truffle oil can bring out the flavor of truffles, and goes well with eggs, mushrooms and baked potato chips. It is often sprinkled on tender meats like fillet mignon that are sensitive to seasoning.

What is Truffle Oil’s Nutritional Value?

Truffle oil is believed to be healthier because it is based on olive oil. Olive oil is perhaps the healthiest cooking oil you can eat because it contains heart-friendly, unsaturated fats. Genuine truffle oil is also cold-pressed, which means it is not treated with potentially harmful chemicals.

Although truffles are primarily used to infuse flavor and scent into the oil, they too leave traces of important nutrients. Truffles are high in fiber, protein, amino acids and iron to name a few. Be aware that not all oils are made with real truffles. For maximum nutrients, purchase genuine truffle oil from reputable vendors.

What is Truffle Oil’s Effect on Your Health?

In addition to giving dishes a flavor boost, genuine truffle oil is healthy for your heart. Unsaturated fats can reduce cholesterol and delay the onset of cardiovascular conditions. Truffle oil also has very few calories and can keep blood sugar even for diabetes patients.

How to Make Truffle Oil

Experts recommend that you purchase truffle oil instead of making it at home. This is because homemade oil can develop botulism. Botulism is bacterial growth that is caused by lids and jars that have not been sterilized correctly.

Truffle oil has been a chef favorite for many years. It adds rich flavor and a pleasant aroma to any dish. When served with truffles, it can provide an assortment of vitamins and minerals. Opt for genuine truffle oil from a trusted vendor.

What is Filet Mignon?

You’ve probably heard it being mentioned on cooking shows and by Michelin star chefs and thought “what is filet mignon”? Filet mignon is an extremely tender piece of beef. It is this tenderness that makes it the most sought after piece of steak in the world. Cooking filet mignon at home is very simple, as it does not require much seasoning or complicated technique.

What is Filet Mignon Cut From?

Steak cuts come from various sections of a cow’s body. Some cuts are tougher because the muscles in those areas are often exercised during the life of the cow. Others are tender because they are not. Filet mignon is cut from the tenderloin, which is the tenderest part of the tender section. The reason it is expensive is because this tender section is quite small and because of its texture compared to other steak cuts.

What is Filet Mignon’s Nutritional Profile?

Filet mignon’s texture is as good as its nutrient content. This tender steak is high in protein, providing 22 grams of protein per 3 ounces. This makes up almost half the protein men and women need every day. Another great nutrient in filet mignon is iron. Iron oxygenates your blood which gives you more energy and other positive health effects.

Other minerals and vitamins found in red meat are potassium, magnesium, phosphorus; and B vitamins. These nutrients perform many good functions in the body, from preventing heart disease to improve brain signal transmission. Filet mignon, however, contains more saturated fats than any other meat.

What is Filet Mignon’s Effect on Your Health?

If you frequently suffer from heart and blood diseases, getting hold of this steak cut can help you reduce symptoms with help from iron. Iron is also beneficial if you are often fatigued. The high protein content is good for people with an active lifestyle and those trying to lose weight. Protein maintains muscles and can help you gain control over your appetite.

How to Cook Filet Mignon

The best way to prepare filet mignon is the same technique you should use with other steak cuts. The exception is, of course, seasoning. Filet mignon can fall apart if you add unnecessary spices to it. Therefore, it is advisable to stick to salt and pepper.

Step 1:

Take your filet mignon out of the freezer and let it sit in room temperature for half an hour before cooking. This is also the best time to season it too.

Step 2:

Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil in a pan on high heat and cook both sides of the steak until you get a crusty outer layer. This should take 3-4 minutes on each side.

Step 3:

Place the seared filet mignon on a baking tray and bake at 450 F. Do not cut the meat to test for doneness. Instead, watch how red it is in the center. If juices are floating on top, it’s rare. If it’s red in the center but has no juice, it’s medium. Well done steak should have a uniform brown color all over.

Filet mignon is more than just a succulent, pricy piece of steak. It is also full of minerals and vitamins that are beneficial for your body. Practice cooking steak with lower grade pieces of beef first before you try preparing filet mignon. Serve with vegetables, baked potatoes, salsa verde and other healthy, low-calorie sides.

What is the best way to cook lobster tails?

Lobster tails are a magnificent alternative to buying lobsters whole (see tips in buying lobster tails). In fact, they often have more meat than any other part of the body. You can prepare them in a variety of ways. The meat is soft and delicate, and can be ready in as little as 5 minutes. What is the best way to cook lobster tails? It all depends on the type of tails you have and the method of cooking you prefer.

Types of Lobster Tails

To know the best way to cook lobster tails, you first need to learn from which waters they come. Lobster tails can either be from warm or cold waters. Cold waters are those in the Americas, while warm waters refer to those in countries like Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. Lobster tails from colder waters are usually more costly than those from cold waters. When purchasing, make sure you ask your vendor where the tails originate.

What are the Best Ways to Cook Lobster Tails?

The best way to cook lobster tails can be baking, grilling or steaming them. Cooking time depends on the size of your lobster, which can be between 3 to 24 ounces. Lobster tails from warm and cold water can be prepared the same way. However, cold-water tails tend to provide better quality meat than warm-water ones.

Baking Lobster Tails

Lobster tails have a hard shell and soft shell. Before baking, take a knife and cut through the soft shell lengthwise to get to the meat. Brush butter gently onto the meat and place in your baking dish or on a tray shell-side down. Bake inside a preheated oven at 200 degrees or 400 F for 8 to 10 minutes. When it’s ready, the meat should have an opaque color.

Cook the Lobster Tails on the Grill

One of the best ways to cook lobster tails is to grill them. You can either insert a skewer into the tails or split the soft shell lengthwise with a knife and pull the meat out a little bit. Season the meat as desired (as simple as salt and pepper will do). Preheat the grill and slip them in to grill for 7 to 8 minutes in medium heat. Meat should turn opaque and lose its transparency. You can turn the lobster meat side down, but make sure to spray your grill with a cooking spray to prevent the meat from sticking. I use a grill spray that can withstand high heat.

Steaming Lobster Tails

For steaming, pour one cup of water into a pan and a pinch of salt. Insert a skewer through the length of the tail and place it on a steaming rack inside the pan. Steam covered for 7 to 8 minutes and drain.

Tips for Cooking Lobster Tails

Seasoning meat is important to enhance the flavor. The best way to cook lobster tails is to season lightly with butter, garlic powder, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and any other type of seasoning you prefer. Make sure you don’t season it so much that you lose the taste of the meat. When steaming, you have the option to also use a skewer or cocktail stick, but placing the lobster directly on the steamer is all right.

Lobster tails are delicacies you can enjoy at home. Tasty and tender, they hold plenty of meat that cooks within minutes. The best way to cook lobster tails is through steaming, grilling and baking. Choose seasonings that best complements meat to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Does oatmeal have gluten?

Gluten intolerance is a serious condition that can cause symptoms ranging from fatigue to damaged intestines. Unfortunately, there are many foods on the market today that contain gluten. Although some foods are clearly labeled “non-gluten”, others can be hard to detect. One such food is oatmeal. This article aims to answer the question millions are asking every day: “Does oatmeal have gluten?”

What is Gluten?

Gluten is a large protein found in the seeds of wheat. It has also been associated with rye and barley. It is common, therefore, for cereals and breads to contain gluten. Contrary to popular belief, gluten is not an unhealthy substance. It is harmful only to those who are intolerant.

How to Tell If You Are Gluten-Intolerant

If you haven’t been diagnosed as intolerant, there are several telltale signs that gluten might be bad for your health. Symptoms include feeling tired after eating foods with gluten; bloating, constipation, diarrhea; fatigue, confusion, dizziness; swollen and painful joints, as well as headaches. These symptoms usually appear as a result of eating gluten foods. Try removing them from your diet for 2-6 weeks to see if your condition improves.

Does Oatmeal Have Gluten?

The answer is yes and no. When oatmeal is made from pure oats, it does not contain gluten at all. However, if oats have been mixed with other grains, it will contain trace amounts of the substance. The bad news is that even small amounts of gluten can affect intolerant people significantly, especially those suffering from Celiac disease.

Oatmeal has gluten only when wheat, rye or barley has been added to it. Adding these grains to oats is common practice in the food industry. Therefore, to find oatmeal without gluten, you have to read the package labels very closely. Generally, if the package does not say “gluten-free”, you should automatically assume it contains gluten and avoid it.

Oatmeal and Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is an extreme form of intolerance. When people suffering from this disease eat gluten, it damages their small intestine. As a result, they cannot absorb the nutrients needed by the body. Without proper absorption, patients end up malnourished and extremely ill. For Celiac patients, the question “does oatmeal have gluten” has far-reaching consequences than those with mild intolerance.

If you have Celiac disease, oatmeal is safe to eat provided you are 100% sure it is gluten-free. If you are not certain, it is advisable to stick other gluten-free breakfast foods like eggs, fish, plain yoghurt, fruit and low-fat meat.

There are also people who suffer from non-Celiac sensitivity. This is when your intolerance to gluten produces symptoms very similar to Celiac disease. In this case, you should also opt of pure oats or gluten-free foods instead. Gluten can be dangerous for intolerant people. Speak to your physician about dietary recommendations.

The next time you go shopping for oats and you’re wondering if your favorite brand of oatmeal has gluten or not, remember this: If it doesn’t say gluten-free, it probably isn’t.