<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

A couple of weeks ago (I'll spare you my excuses for tardiness in
summarizing), I wrote, complaining that all of the jars of preserved
grape leaves I could find in stores contained either citric acid or, in
one case, "sodium metabisulfite", of which I knew nothing.  I received
seven responses, all useful and encouraging!

      Some people pointed out what I know from reading this list, that
citric acid is only sometimes made from wheat outside of the US (in
China in particular).  This doesn't totally comfort me, however, since
many of the brands of grape leaves are imported.  And, how do I know
that even US producers might not have, say, chanced upon some deal on
citric acid from overseas?  I don't know how these things work, and I
guess my ignorance breeds a bit of paranoia.

      On the other hand, one knowledgeable-sounding person wrote:  "I've
not heard of anyone actually finding an instance of citricacid with
gluten in it. All the objections to it are based on atheoretical
possibility of a problem, not actual problems.Personally, I wouldn't
worry about it. Sodium metabisulfite is obviously a small molecule
chemical.  I wouldn't worry about that either."

     Persons with a better understanding of chemistry than I pointed out
that sodium metabisulfite, as a simple molecule, would be highly
unlikely to be made from a grain, or to harbor gluten (although it might
not be good for people for other reasons).

      Three people suggested that I locate a local winery and ask to
pick some of their leaves.  Spring is the time to do it, when they are
young and tender.  (A good idea for those with cars, but that's not me!)

      Thanks for all of your helpful responses.  They made me feel like
I have more options than I thought.                      Diane