Corn is probably the most difficult food allergy to have. It has 200 derivatives and is found in most packaged food as well as used to spray fruits and vegetables and fed to animals who produce the meat sold in local supermarkets and some butchers. I have lived with this allergy as well as some other food allergies and food chemical intolerances. Food chemical intolerances have a whole other science behind them.
It is for this reason I have done research around these areas, so I can eat and live life. I have had anaphylaxsis to Corn and carry Epipens. This allergy was undiagnosed for me for what could have been many years. Learning how to manage it took a fair amount of time and was initially very scary as I was reacting to so much food but it got easier as I dedicated alot of research and time into this area; I simply had no choice. Now as I have healed somewhat in this area; I am going to share some staple/basic foods and tips needed; so someone with this crazy allergy who may be starting out can eat and learn about what they are cooking with.
PANCAKES
Bread is such a staple food of our society. But it can often include corn derivatives; especially if brought from a local supermarket/ bakery and not homemade. After initially making my own homemade bread, I realised I wanted to use the flour in making these breads for pancakes, muffins and cakes/other baked goods. I use mixed corn free flours from a health store, cassava flour, brown rice flour and any other safe options with manning valley eggs (not corn fed) and coconut milk to make pancakes. Other safe foods like pure matcha powder and carob powder can be added to a pancake/crepe for a more flavoursome meal 🙂
FRUIT AND NUT MUFFINS
As corn can restrict our diet alot; adding safe nuts like cashews, walnuts, almonds etc to muffin recipes adds nutrition. I also add pure rice malt syrup as a safe sweetener and may add a low chemical fruit such as soft boiled pears. Homemade muffins are much healthier then cafe or supermarket brought muffins which are packed with sugars and preservatives as well as corn derivatives. You also know exactly what you are putting in your body when you make it yourself. 🙂
PEAR JUICE
Pears are low chemical and pear juice is also a tasty drink. Peeling fruit like pears is good to ensure the corn is removed as pears may have been sprayed with a corn derivative. I peel pears, boil them using filtered water and then drink pear juice, either hold or cold as a drink alternative. Many store brought drinks contain corn and corn derivatives.
COCONUT JUICE
100 percent coconut juice is another safe alternative for someone with a corn allergy/sensitivity. Coconut juice can be high chemical but generally are safe for the corn allergic.
FILTERED WATER
I drink filtered water for the most part. I brought a water filter for home and order filtered water in 10L lots to add to it. I find some local tap water can not be as pure.
RICE
I add rice to dishes as opposed to some store brought pasta which can contain corn derivatives. If I find a safe 100 percent pure pasta I’ll cook with that. Homemade pasta can be safe as well but it is also time consuming to make so requires patience 🙂
MATCHA
Matcha is one of my favourite hot/cold drinks. After I was diagnosed with this allergy I had to remove ALOT of food and drink. Matcha in its pure form is much safer then coffee for corn allergics/sensitives and a great drink to socialise with.
MATCHA ICECREAM
You can add matcha to alot of different foods such as pasta but also homemade ice-cream. I use safe coconut yoghurt, coconut milk and matcha and freeze and then use a ninja icecream machine for homemade matcha icrecream without the corn 🙂
MEAT
I use safe lamb, chicken and beef. The animals are often fed corn and I only purchase safe meat that hasn’t been corn fed from the butcher not the local supermarket. Packaged meat is often added to the packet with a liquid to preserve it so I definately avoid packaged meat and buy as fresh as possible.
SPRAY FREE FRUIT AND VEGETABLES
It is highly possible the fruit and vegetables from the local supermarket have been sprayed with corn. This can keep them shiny and lasting longer but for corn allergics/sensitives the fruit/veg can be enough for a reaction. For this reason I only shop for spray free fruit and veg from a reputable health store or shop. I also peel all my fruit and vegetable; though if they have not been sprayed this may not be necessary. I use the fruit and veg to make all kinds of creative cooking recipes.
FREEZING FOOD
Living with this allergy can be time consuming; for this reason I sometimes freeze the food/drink I make.
SAFE SNACKS
My only safe snacks from the supermarkets are raw nuts, Organic brown rice crackers from brand Ceres Organics, Organic rice cakes from the same brand and a couple of others that don’t add corn derivatives, safe coconut yoghurt. Spray free avocados are a tasty addition to rice cakes and crackers as well as safe 100 pure peanut butter and rice malt syrup on rice cakes.