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Flour

cup

Flour is a powder produced by grinding grains or seeds, commonly used in baking and cooking. It's a staple ingredient, crucial for various culinary applications like bread, pasta, and pastries, and is composed primarily of starch, protein, and fiber. The specific type of flour significantly impacts the final product's texture, taste, and structure.

History

The earliest evidence of flour production dates back to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BC, with grinding between stones being the initial method. Over time, more sophisticated techniques emerged, including watermills and windmills. Flour has been a critical component of human diets for millennia, playing a key role in cultural development. The earliest forms of flour were likely made from wild grains, with refinement and selective breeding eventually leading to the flours we have today.

Common Uses

  • Baking bread, using various types of flours for different textures
  • Making pasta, with semolina flour being a common choice for its firm texture
  • Creating pastries, such as cakes and cookies, with different flours like all-purpose and cake flour
  • Thickening sauces and soups, often using all-purpose flour or specialized starches like arrowroot
  • Coating foods for frying, providing a crispy exterior
  • Making dumplings and noodles, using different flours depending on the dish
  • As a binder in meatloaf and other dishes

Storage Tips

Store flour in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use an airtight container to prevent moisture absorption and pest infestation. For whole-wheat flour, which has a higher oil content and shorter shelf life, refrigeration or freezing is recommended. Keep away from strong-smelling foods, as flour can absorb odors.

Nutrition Facts (per 100g)

fat 1g
fiber 2.7g
sugar 0.4g
sodium 2mg
protein 10.3g
calories 364kcal
carbohydrates 76.3g

Common Substitutes

  • Almond flour 1 cup all-purpose flour = 1 cup + 2 tablespoons almond flour
  • Coconut flour 1 cup all-purpose flour = 1/4 cup coconut flour + 1 egg
  • Quinoa flour 1 cup all-purpose flour = 1 cup quinoa flour
  • Oat flour 1 cup all-purpose flour = 1 1/4 cup oat flour
  • Tapioca starch 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour = 1 tablespoon tapioca starch (for thickening)