More people are realizing the benefits of baking with flours made from grains other than wheat. When you think about brown rice flour gluten free may be one of the things that springs to mind. But aside from the benefits of it being one of the gluten free and and acceptable flours for people with gluten intolerance and celiac disease (like rice flour and sorghum flour), it has other health benefits as well. Read on to learn more about the nutritional makeup of this wonderful flour as well as proper storage techniques and some ideas on where to find great celiac recipes.
Nutritional Components
All rice flours have more nutritional value than traditional processed and enriched wheat flours. That said, brown rice flour is even more nutritious than white rice flours because it is processed with the kernel which is where much of the nutrients are stored. Brown rice flour is a great source of B vitamins, iron and fiber.
Proper Storage of Brown Rice Flour
The bran and germ of brown rice has a high oil content. Because of the high oil content, brown rice flour must be stored properly or it can become rancid. It is also not recommended that you store gluten free brown rice flour for extended periods of time. It’s better to keep a usable supply on hand and replenish your stock frequently to avoid having it go to waste. The best place to store the flour is in the refrigerator where it can be stored without spoilage for up to 5 months. It is also possible to store brown rice flour in the freezer where it will likely keep for up to a year. If you don’t have room in your refrigerator or freezer it can also be stored in an airtight container in the pantry however the shelf life will be shorter.
Brown Rice Flour Recipes
There are several great sources for brown rice flour recipes. The web is a huge resource when it comes to finding a Contest that calls for brown rice flour. Most manufacturers also include a recipe or two on the flour bag itself. You will also find that most gluten free cookbooks, particularly those that focus on baking will rely heavily on brown rice flour as a substitute for wheat flours.
Brown rice flour is a nutritious, wholesome and flavorful flour that is excellent in a wide variety of baked goods. It’s naturally gluten free making it an ideal choice for folks who have a gluten intolerance, are avoiding gluten foods or who have celiac disease. Why not pick up a bag and try experimenting with a few recipes? You may just find that you prefer the rich, slightly nutty flavor of brown rice flour – and the health benefits will just be an added bonus.