Is arborio rice gluten free? Yes. Pure arborio rice is gluten free and is widely used in gluten free diets and delicious recipes (for risotto, rice pudding and soups). Every type of pure rice is a gluten free alternative to wheat. But there are a possibility of cross-contamination. Here we will explain when cross-contamination may occur and what is arborio rice.
Is arborio rice gluten free? What is arborio rice?
As we explained in our previous post “Is rice gluten free?“, cross-contamination is an important topic for those with coliac disease and especially for people who are sensitive to trace gluten.
Cross-contamination may occure in some situations. Main of them are:
- Cross-contamination possibility in facilities that produce gluten free and also non gluten free grains (such as wheat, barley, rye). In this case you can buy certified gluten free arborio rice brands or ask the manufacturers to be sure that there is no cross-contamination.
- Cross-contamination possibility in shops that offer grains in bulk bins. These shops offen store gluten free and non gluten free grains in the same facility.
If you are sensitive to trace gluten, the question “Is arborio rice gluten free?” is important to you. So be careful and try to avoid situations where cross-contamination is possible.
What is arborio rice?
Arborio rice is one of the most popular variety of rice in Italy. It is named after the town of Arborio, in the Po Valley. Arborio rice is soft, rounded type of grains that are boiled for about 20 minutes. It is great for cooking risotto, soups and puddings. Many chefs think that Arborio makes the best rissoto.
Cooking tip: Arborio rice is very soft and easy to boil, so it is recommended to remove it from the fire before it is completely ready. Thus, the grains will retain its shape.
