How To Use Binders for Gluten Free Baking -learn the role of binders to create structure in baking.

To make fabulous gluten free baked goods in your kitchen you need to learn about gluten free flours, starches and the role of binders.


In this video I’m talking about these 3 binders; xanthan gum, guar gum and psyllium husk powder
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Let’s talk about the science of gluten. The main protein strands in wheat flour, glutenin and gliadin, are wrapped around starch granules. When water is added these strands unwind and connect to form a network called gluten. The ingredients used in gluten free baking are to create a similar network without gluten.

What Are Binders?
As the name implies binders bind protein and starch molecules together to give structure to baked goods. Gluten free flours are not capable of forming the network for this structure. Binders are therefore used to create and strengthen the protein networks in the different flours used in gluten free baking.
Sometimes referred to as the glue that holds everything together, these binders are all used to create structure in gluten free baking.


Xanthan Gum
-Commercially used as a thickener and stabilizer in ingredients from toothpaste to salad dressing.
-Helps extend the freshness of baked goods.
-A good rule of thumb is to add ¼ teaspoon of xanthan gum for every 1 cup of gluten free flour.
-Some people cannot tolerate xanthan gum; guar gum is a reasonable substitute.
-Others have determined that their tummies are happier when they do not eat any gums at all.
-It has a shelf life and is best stored in the fridge or freezer.

BEST USES - All gluten free baked goods.


Advice From America’s Test Kitchen
These two cookbooks from America’s Test Kitchen are excellent resources for gluten free cooks. The Test Kitchen does more testing than any home cook could ever do so I trust them and have incorporated much of their advice into my cooking.

I recommend both of these cookbooks.
-How Can It Be Gluten Free
-How Can It Be Gluten Free Volume 2


I’ve never used guar gum but here’s what America’s Test Kitchen has to say about it.


Guar Gum
-High in fiber and is used as a laxative.
-Guar gum produces baked goods that taste slightly more starchy than those made with xanthan gum.
-If you can’t tolerate xanthan gum it is a good substitute and can be used in the same amount. These cookbooks outline in more detail how to do this.


BEST USES - All gluten free baked goods.


Psyllium Husk Powder
-Psyllium is a major component in laxatives.
-Has a high viscosity so is able to bind water more effectively than xanthan gum.
-Creates a sturdy network with the proteins in gluten free flours and adds a wheat flavour to baking that works well in yeast breads.
-A larger amount is required and this volume does not work in many gluten free baked goods.


BEST USES - Yeast breads and pizza dough.


Is There A Binder in My Gluten Free Flour Mix?
You can see my homemade gluten free flour mix here and I have a YouTube video showing how I make it. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
Read the label to find out if there is a binder in the flour mix you use. If there is that will affect how much you need to add in different recipes.


For best results use a gluten free flour mix without a binder and add only the amount you need to each recipe.

RECIPES - I have over 280 recipes on my website and the majority of my baked goods use xanthan gum. My Cinnamon Rolls use psyllium husk powder. Here's a link to the recipe gallery - https://everydayglutenfreegourmet.ca/...
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This video is #6 in a 12-part series of videos about the properties and uses of gluten free flours and starches. The related posts are on my website and each one includes RECIPE links.

How To Use Gluten Free Flour series of blog posts with RECIPE LINKS:

1. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
2. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
3. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
4. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
5. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
6. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
7. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
8. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
9. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
10. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
11. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...
12. https://www.everydayglutenfreegourmet...

Happy baking and let me know how it goes!

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https://everydayglutenfreegourmet.ca/...