Gluten-free Crops - Timothy, Indian Ricegrass and Oats

Researchers Involved:

Project Description:

Dr. Sands was the driving force behind development of Indian ricegrass (Montina flour) which is produced and distributed by the Amazing Grains Cooperative.

Dr. Sands continues to develop innovative gluten free crops such a high-protein oat and Timothy grass. Despite popular opinion, oats do not contain gluten. However, most US oats are processed in facilities that also process wheat products which results in low levels of gluten contamination. Dr. Sands is working with growers to optimize parameters to produce and process gluten-free oat products. 

Timothy is perennial grass that is endemic to most of the western US.  This grass is a favored forage and used to produce horse hay and feeds.  Dr. Sands research group evaluated Timothy for human consumption and found that the Timothy flour is highly nutritious, gluten-free and can be used to produce a variety of baked products.