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Galangal, or “Siamese Ginger,” is a type of ginger native to Southeast Asia. It can be distinguished from its North American counterpart by its reddish skin and milder flavor. Galangal can be found fresh in most Asian markets and large health food stores.

Galia melon is a hybrid created in Israel in 1970 by by crossing cantaloupe and honeydew melons. With greenish-to-yellowish rind and green-to-white flesh, it is prized for its extraordinarily sweet flesh and inviting aroma.

Garbanzo bean flour is a gluten-free flour used for its high protein and fiber content. Unlike many gluten-free flours, it is not overly starchy. Garbanzo bean flour can be used in many recipes that require other forms of flour, but it will impart a slight bean-like flavor. Garbanzo bean flour can be bought at most major supermarkets, or online.

Chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans, are legumes with a high content of fiber and protein. Chickpeas are used in a wide variety of dishes, from hummus to stir-fries. Chickpeas can be bought dried or canned throughout the year, and they can occasionally be found fresh. Chickpeas are available at major supermarkets, Greek, Mexican, or Indian specialty stores or online. For more information on chickpeas, click here.

Gelatin is a thickening agent made by the boiling skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments of animals. It is used in a wide variety of food products, such as Jell-O and Marshmallows, as well as in other products such as shampoo. Gelatin can be bought at most major supermarkets or online from a variety of vendors.

Gelatinization is the process of converting into a gelatinous form or into a jelly. This acts to turn the food product from a liquid into a set solid.

Ghee is a type of clarified butter that originated in South Asia. It is made by boiling butter and removing the separated fat residue. Clarified butter is preferred in certain types of cooking due to its higher smoke point and longer shelf life.

Ginkgo nuts are the nuts that grow on ginkgo trees, which are native to China, but are found in other parts of the world. The trees have a strong, stinky odor, and the nuts grow as plum-shaped fruits. Ginkgo nuts are known to be healthy and help with brain functioning. The nut has the texture of a soybean and slightly sweet flavor used in a variety of dishes, especially in Asian cooking. Gingko nuts can be bought canned or dry. The dry nuts need to be blanched before use, while the canned nuts need only be rinsed. Ginkgo nuts can be bought in specialty markets, especially those that are primarily Asian. For more information on ginkgo nuts click here.

Gluten is a protein found in many grains and oats. It gives breads and baked goods texture by trapping the air released from leavening agents. Gluten is found in foods that contain wheat-based flours, such as white flour, pasta, bread, cereal, couscous, and pastries. For a more complete list of foods that contain gluten or for more information on gluten, click here.

These recipes do not contain gluten.  Gluten and its many derivatives are in many processed goods. We only include packaged products in our recipes if we have found a gluten-free version made in a plant that follows preventative cross contamination processes or does not produce the allergen, and states that on the package or website.

Do not cook or serve any dishes that contain gluten in a highly allergic home or when a highly allergic person is present, no matter how well labeled or out of reach. Discuss how to handle food preparation in advance with any guest who has a serious allergy.

For more information on avoiding gluten, click here.

The glycemic index (GI) rates the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose (sugar) levels on a scale from 0-100. In order to determine the score of a food, it is compared to a glucose solution of a 100 ranking. A food with a higher GI is one that digests and raises blood sugar levels quickly. Foods with lower GIs are digested and processed into the bloodstream slowly, and have proven health benefits. For more information on the glycemic index, click here.

GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms) are plants which have specifically altered DNA designed to create the most desirable traits. This process is used to improve yields of crops and to achieve increased uniformity. For more information on GMOs, click here.

Goji berries originated in Asia and have long been eaten whole, often in dried form, or as juice because of their reputed health benefits. Like many other berries, they are full of a variety of vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. They are believed by some to promote longevity (based on a Chinese legend about a man who ate them for 256 healthy years—what a great folktale!) and by others to be helpful in controlling diabetes, but these claims have not been proven.

Graham flour is created by individually grinding the different parts of the wheat kernel. This gives it a coarse texture suitable for graham crackers and pie crusts. Graham flour is not available at all companies, but can be found in the USA at specialty baking or healthy-food stores, or alternatively can be bought online.

Granulated sugar is often called white sugar or table sugar. It is refined from raw sugar, and can be used for sweetening, or manipulating the texture of baked goods. Granulated sugar can be bought at almost all major grocery stores or online from a variety of vendors. For more information on granulated sugar, click here.

Grass-fed animals have diets consisting of grass and other forage. Conversely, many farmers today are raising animals on diets composed of grains, soy, and other supplements. The meat from grass-fed animals is generally lower in fat content and calories, and some would argue that it has a better flavor.

A medium-hot chili (2500–5000 Scoville Heat Units). Its tough skin that requires that cooks soak it before use. It is usually available in dried form and also as a powder. It is one of the most popular of the many chilies used in Mexican cooking.

Guar gum is a white, flour-like substance extracted from the endosperm of guar beans. Similar to xantham gum, it works well as a thickener and stabilizer. Guar gum can be bought at certain major supermarkets such as Whole Foods, or online from vendors such as Bob’s Red Mill. For more information on guar gum, click here.

Guatemala is a small country located in Central America. For a map of Guatemala, click here.

Gum arabic is sap from the acacia tree that has been hardened. It is used in a variety of products, notably in food and beverages, as a stabilizer. Its chemical properties bind. Produced in northern Africa and the Middle East, it goes by various names, including acacia gum. Its sweetness makes it ideal for use in cooking, but because of its chemical properties, it has found its way into all sorts of industries and arts, from lithography and printing to glue. It is not the same as Arabic gum (aka mastic), which comes from the mastic tree.