Italian Restaurants Go Gluten Free

Apr 21
08:05

2011

Anna Woodward

Anna Woodward

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As celiac disease become more diagnosed, the need for gluten free foods while dining out is increasingly necessary. Even Italian restaurants are even trying to include the gluten free diner.

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When people think of the least unfriendly foods for a person with celiac disease,Italian Restaurants Go Gluten Free Articles the inability to digest the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye, they think Italian restaurants serving massive plates of spaghetti or pizza and espresso with biscotti. Our image of the food is all wheat-based pasta, bread and desserts. That’s all Italians eat, right? Wrong.

Believe it or not, Italy is one of the most informed countries regarding celiac disease. In fact, it is so well diagnosed and understood there that everyone is screened for the disease early in childhood. Although the disease is no more common in Italy then anywhere else in the world, some where around one percent of the population, it is regularly recognized because doctors and the general public are informed.

In short, chefs in Italy take celiac disease very seriously. Other countries may view it as a food fad or craze with chefs disregarding it in their kitchens. Italians are so familiar that if you ask them if they have any gluten-free items they will look at you with skepticism. They’ll say something like “of course, without question”.

There are many dishes served in Italian restaurants that are based in rice and corn. Risotto, gnocchi and polenta immediately come to mind. In Italy, and in other countries around the world, good alternatives to traditionally wheat-based pastas like bucatini, fettuccine and lasagne are coming to the table. Pastas made from rice, corn, eggplant, quinoa and other vegetables and grains are readily available.

Italians, and other international chefs, enjoy the challenge of making good, gluten-free meals. Some chefs are gluten-free themselves and have family members that are gluten-free so the idea of cooking for a celiac is second nature. Chefs make gluten free breads, pastas, sandwiches and desserts without second thought.

The honest follow-up question to the discussion of gluten-free Italy is “Well, that’s great but are they so friendly in the States?” Unfortunately, no, most Italian restaurants in the States are still trying to catch up with their counterparts across the ocean when it comes to offering a variety of gluten free options.

If you have celiac disease and are feeling adventurous, it is possible that you could find some tasty things on the menu at your local Italy lovers establishment. Though, be forewarned, dining out as a person with a serious food allergy or autoimmune disorder like celiac can be dangerous. Always ask questions and be smart. It’ll save you from much pain and suffering later.

So, if you aren’t a celiac but know someone that is, or if you have always been skeptical about the whole gluten-free thing, now you know the rest of the story. Italian restaurants in Italy have long been gluten free friendly because it is a disease that people in that country are aware of and willing to cater to.