Lemon curd is a tart, sweet spread made from lemon juice, eggs, butter and sugar. It has a rich, creamy texture and bright lemon flavor that makes it a delicious topping for scones, toast, pancakes and more. But is it safe for people with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity? Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in lemon curd to find out.
What is lemon curd?
Lemon curd is a spread made by mixing lemon juice, zest, eggs, butter and sugar together and heating gently until thickened. Traditional recipes call for equal parts lemon juice and sugar combined with eggs, butter and lemon zest. The ingredients are whisked together over low heat until the mixture thickens to a custard-like consistency. It is then cooled and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Lemon curd has a bright, tangy lemon flavor balanced by sweetness from the sugar. Its rich, creamy texture comes from the eggs and butter. It can be enjoyed immediately but will thicken up even more upon chilling. The high concentration of lemon juice gives it a tart, acidic bite.
Lemon curd is a versatile spread used in many baked goods and desserts. It is commonly spread over scones, toast, pancakes or biscuits. Lemon curd filling can be used in tarts, custards and cakes. It also makes a delicious topping for yogurt, ice cream or fresh fruit.
Common ingredients in lemon curd
The main ingredients in lemon curd include:
– Lemons: Freshly squeezed lemon juice provides tangy flavor and acidity. Both the juice and zest are used.
– Eggs: Whole eggs thicken and enrich the curd. Egg yolks alone can also be used.
– Butter: Butter gives lemon curd its creamy, rich texture.
– Sugar: Granulated white sugar sweetens the lemon curd and balances out the acidity.
– Salt: A small pinch of salt enhances the flavors.
– Starch or cream: Cornstarch, flour or heavy cream may be used as extra thickeners.
– Flavorings: Vanilla and spices like nutmeg may also be added.
So the primary ingredients in lemon curd are lemons, eggs, butter and sugar. The eggs and butter are what give it a thick, spreadable texture. Other ingredients simply enhance the flavor.
Does traditional lemon curd contain gluten?
Gluten is a protein found in grains like wheat, rye and barley. People with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity cannot tolerate gluten in any amount. So in order to be considered gluten-free, a food must not contain any gluten-containing ingredients.
The main ingredients in traditional lemon curd recipes – lemons, eggs, butter and sugar – are naturally gluten-free. So if you make lemon curd using just these basic ingredients, it will not contain any gluten.
Potential sources of gluten to watch out for in lemon curd include:
Thickeners
Many lemon curd recipes call for a small amount of starch or flour to help thicken and stabilize the curd. Common thickeners include:
– All-purpose flour: Wheat-based, so not gluten-free
– Cornstarch: Often used instead of flour in gluten-free recipes
– Arrowroot: Also used as a gluten-free thickener
So if a recipe calls for flour or wheat-based starch, be sure to substitute an appropriate gluten-free option like cornstarch or arrowroot starch.
Flavorings
Spices, extracts and zests pose minimal risk of gluten. Pure vanilla extract and lemon zest will not contain gluten. Ground spices may have a trace risk of cross-contamination during processing. So be sure to use brands labeled gluten-free.
Overall, traditional lemon curd made with eggs, lemon, butter and sugar should not contain gluten. The main thing to watch out for is the type of thickener used. Choosing naturally gluten-free cornstarch, arrowroot or cream instead of wheat flour will yield a gluten-free lemon curd.
Are there any special gluten-free lemon curd brands?
There are a few specialty brands that produce gluten-free lemon curd:
Dickinson’s Lemon Curd
– Made with real butter, lemon juice, cane sugar, eggs, tapioca starch and lemon oil
– Certified gluten-free
– No artificial flavors, sweeteners or preservatives
– Available on Amazon and in some grocery stores
Lucy’s Lemon Curd
– Uses lemons, sugar, butter, eggs, salt and non-GMO tapioca starch
– Specifically formulated to be gluten, dairy and soy-free
– Verified gluten-free by the Gluten Intolerance Group
– Sold online through Lucy’s website
Mrs. Bridges Lemon Curd
– Made in the UK with butter, sugar, eggs, lemons and cornflour
– Uses a naturally gluten-free thickener (cornflour)
– Certified gluten-free by Coeliac UK
– Imported to the US and sold online
So if you want extra assurance, look for popular brands of lemon curd that are certified gluten-free and use acceptable thickening agents like cornstarch or tapioca starch. This guarantees the product has been tested and verified to be gluten-free.
What about commercially prepared lemon curd?
Commercially prepared lemon curds found in grocery stores may have greater risk of gluten exposure. Always check the label and ingredients carefully. Here’s what to look out for:
Thickeners
As discussed above, wheat flour or unspecified “starch” could potentially indicate the presence of gluten. Look for tapioca starch, cornstarch or arrowroot instead.
Stabilizers and emulsifiers
These are added to prolong shelf life. Common examples like mono- and diglycerides or guar gum are typically gluten-free. But sources can vary so check with the manufacturer if the item is not labeled gluten-free.
Flavorings
Added natural and artificial flavors have a small chance of containing gluten and should be confirmed with the company to be gluten-free.
Cross-contamination
Even if the ingredients look gluten-free, there is always a possibility of cross-contamination occurring during processing if made alongside wheat-based products. So certified gluten-free is ideal.
Your safest bet is to verify gluten-free status with the manufacturer or purchase brands that are certified gluten-free. If not labeled gluten-free, it’s better to avoid. Make your own curd at home using simple whole food ingredients to eliminate any doubt.
Can lemon curd be made gluten-free?
Absolutely! Lemon curd can easily be made 100% gluten-free at home. All you need is:
– Fresh lemon juice and zest
– Butter
– Eggs
– White sugar
– Salt
And use one of these as a thickener:
– Cornstarch
– Arrowroot
– Tapioca flour
– Gluten-free all-purpose flour
The steps are very simple:
1. Whisk together the lemon juice and zest, eggs, butter, sweetener and salt in a saucepan.
2. Gradually heat the mixture, stirring constantly until thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in your choice of gluten-free thickener.
4. Let cool and then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
Making your own lemon curd at home lets you control all the ingredients. You can be positive there is no gluten lurking. Feel free to enjoy lemon curd on toast, pancakes, fruit and more without worry!
Precautions for gluten-free lemon curd
Here are some tips for keeping your homemade lemon curd gluten-free:
– Check all labels and use only certified gluten-free ingredients
– Use separate utensils and cookware that haven’t touched gluten
– Don’t let it come in contact with any gluten-containing foods
– Store in an airtight container, away from gluten products
– Be the only one who dips into the curd to prevent cross-contact
With some simple precautions, it’s easy to whip up delicious gluten-free lemon curd at home to enjoy without fear of reaction.
Other FAQs
Here are answers to some other frequently asked questions about lemon curd and gluten:
Is store-bought lemon curd gluten-free?
It depends. Some brands of prepared lemon curd are labeled gluten-free, but many are not. Always check the label and ingredient list or contact the manufacturer to verify gluten-free status before consuming.
What can I use instead of wheat flour to thicken lemon curd?
Popular gluten-free alternatives include cornstarch, arrowroot starch, tapioca flour or potato starch. Guar gum or xanthan gum can also help thicken and stabilize.
Is lemon zest gluten-free?
Yes, the zest or outer peel of a lemon contains no gluten and is fine for gluten-free diets as long as it is cleaned properly to avoid contamination.
Can lemon juice be contaminated with gluten?
Pure lemon juice that is simply squeezed from lemons has no gluten. Processed bottled juices could potentially encounter cross-contact but are generally considered low-risk.
What other flavor curds can I make gluten-free?
All kinds of fruit curd are naturally gluten-free including lime, orange, mango, strawberry, mixed berry and more. Follow lemon curd recipes subbing in your fruit of choice.
The Bottom Line
Traditional homemade lemon curd made with just eggs, lemon, butter and sugar should not contain any gluten. The biggest factor is the type of thickener used – make sure to use a gluten-free starch instead of wheat flour. When buying commercially made lemon curd, check the labels and ingredients or contact the manufacturer to verify gluten-free status before consuming. Making your own lemon curd at home gives you full control over the ingredients. Take precautions to prevent cross-contamination and you can safely enjoy lemon curd on a gluten-free diet.