Using Real Herbs and Spices

Unfortunately, that's not the case. Many products that look like spices, and are marketed as spices, are low quality spice, with flavorings, food additives and hidden gluten. Many contain MSG, which goes by over 40 different names, and the companies that make it just keep adding more names, to deceive buyers. They know people don't want to eat it, but they refuse to be honest.

When you're just starting out eating gluten free, it can be too much to remember all the names. I suggest that you start out just by buying single spices, labeled certified gluten free and organic. You can make your own mixes, at a fraction of the cost.

It's also a good idea to check out the fresh produce section, and try and find some fresh, organic herbs. The fresh versions have much more flavor, and much less processing. It may be more expensive, but the quality is so much better. Try and plan a few recipes to use it all up while it's fresh. If you can't use it all up quickly, then you can freeze some for use in stews later on. Try to limit it to no more than 2 months in the freezer. As time goes by, it simply loses its "goodness." You can also dehydrate it, and store it dry. Again, limit it to no more than 2 months. It's important to be eating fresh food as much as possible.

If you're on a budget, or simply like to have plants, then start your own herb garden. For literally pennies for some seeds, you can have all the fresh herbs you'll ever need. Even a few small plastic containers in the window sill by the sink can be sufficient to grow all you'll ever need.

Enjoy!

Thora Toft