Interview with Suzan Najjar Samman from Beat tha Wheat, the first gluten-free healthy bakery in Jordan.
What inspired you to start “Beat Tha Wheat” in March 2013?
My oldest daughter was diagnosed with celiac disease in 2003. It was almost impossible to find gluten-free bread or any tasty treats for her sensitive system in Amman other than rice bread and corn bread and they didn’t work well with her. I started baking for my daughter until last year when I decided to give families that suffer from celiac disease and gluten intolerances a healthy, brighter outlook by letting them enjoy bread again.
Have you always loved to bake?
I love it. I love the smells, I love the taste of homemade foods, and I love the childhood memories it brings back. Now, the main reason I bake is because I have to. My daughter has celiac disease and a lot of families suffer from the same problem, which means they cannot have anything containing gluten.
What range of products do you offer at your bakery?
The products are gluten-free and vegan (dairy free, casein-free and egg-free) such as Arabic bread, toast, pizza, pita, burger buns, loaves, pasta, pizza, pastries, cake, cupcakes, brownies, cookies, all kind of sweets and some Arabic sweets as well.
How would you describe the impact this bakery had since its initiation and the challenges you’ve faced?
For people aware of gluten allergies, the bakery has improved their lives, but we are trying to spread the word and knowledge to those who have gluten allergies that they are not aware of.
For more info – Beat tha Wheat