Does masa contain gluten?

If you’re anything like me, and I sincerely hope for your sake that you’re not, then you might find yourself asking the important questions in life such as “does masa contain gluten?” While some people are concerned about world peace or climate change, we want to know if our beloved tortillas are going to wreak havoc on our digestive systems. Fear not friendos, for I have undertaken the challenge of answering this question so that you can sleep soundly at night knowing whether or not it’s safe to indulge in all things masa related.

What is Masa?

Before we delve into the nitty gritty details of whether or not masa contains gluten, let’s first define what exactly we mean by “masa”. For those unfamiliar with the term, masa is a traditional dough made from ground corn that is used in many Latin American dishes such as tamales and pupusas. It’s essentially cornmeal that has been soaked in an alkaline solution before being dried and ground up. This process is known as nixtamalization (yes, really) and it helps to break down the tough outer layer of the corn kernel which makes it easier to digest and increases its nutritional value.

Now that we’ve got our basic understanding of what masa actually is sorted out, let’s move onto everyone’s favorite topic – gluten.

Is Gluten Even A Thing?

For those fortunate enough to be blissfully unaware (or just haven’t spent any time around health nuts), gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley and rye products. It gives breads their elasticity and chewiness which makes them downright delicious but unfortunately also means they’re off limits for anyone with celiac disease or a gluten intolerance. Though there are plenty of folks out there who jump on the anti-gluten bandwagon purely for trendiness rather than health reasons (don’t be one of these people), for those who suffer from digestive disorders it’s a very real concern.

But Does Masa Contain Gluten?

Here we come to the million dollar question – does masa contain gluten? Well, I’m pleased to say that the answer is… kind of. One of the key factors in whether or not masa contains gluten is if wheat flour has been added to the mix. Traditional masa made with just corn and water should be completely free of gluten but sometimes manufacturers will add wheat flour as a filler which means that particular batch won’t be safe for anyone avoiding gluten.

It’s worth noting though, that these days most commercially available masas are marked as “gluten free” so you shouldn’t encounter much difficulty in finding one that fits your dietary needs. If you’re unsure about a specific brand then check out their website or shoot them an email (because god forbid we don’t have access to wifi at all times). Many companies these days are pretty transparent about their ingredients and production processes so it’s easy enough to double check before making any purchases.

Can You Make Your Own Gluten-Free Masa?

If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or maybe just can’t find any decent pre-made stuff) then fear not! It is entirely possible to make your own masa at home while ensuring it stays totally free of pesky little grains like wheat which could reak devastation on our tummies.

All you need is some good quality dried corn kernels, calcium hydroxide (which can typically be found in stores selling Latin American products), water, and some time on your hands. The process involves soaking the corn for several hours with the calcium hydroxide before grinding it into a dough consistency which can then be molded into whatever magical culinary creations your heart desires (with no bloating required).

In Conclusion

So there we have it folks, does masa contain gluten? Technically nope but lurking bastards like wheat flour can sneak their way in if we’re not careful. The good news is that these days most provedores have our backs and make sure to label masas as gluten free so it’s easy enough for us to keep eating authentic Latin American cuisine without fearing for the state of our stomachs. If you want to get really crazy though then try making your own masa at home (it’ll taste better than store bought anyway). As always, remember that a healthy diet involves everything in moderation (ooh look at me getting all preachy – sorry I lied earlier) so don’t go overboard on tortillas just because they happen to be gluten free, ok? Peace out amigos!

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