What is the difference between wheat and gluten?

Wheat:

* A grain: It's a type of grass that produces edible seeds.

* Contains gluten: Wheat is a gluten-containing grain.

* Many varieties: There are many types of wheat, including hard red wheat, soft white wheat, and durum wheat, each with different properties.

Gluten:

* A protein complex: It's a protein found in certain grains, primarily wheat, barley, and rye.

* Gives dough elasticity and structure: Gluten is responsible for the chewy texture of bread and the ability of dough to rise.

* Causes problems for some: Some people have celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, which makes it difficult for their bodies to digest gluten.

In essence:

* Wheat is the grain.

* Gluten is a protein found in wheat.

Think of it like this: Wheat is the tree, and gluten is the sap. You can't have gluten without wheat, but you can have wheat without all of its gluten (like in certain wheat varieties).