Grocery
All-Purpose Flour
What it is
This is a finely milled wheat flour that has been bleached and enriched. Bleaching is a process that whitens the flour and can affect its baking properties. Enrichment adds back certain nutrients that are lost during the milling process. Presifting means the flour has already been passed through a sieve, which helps to aerate it and remove any lumps, making it ready to use for baking and cooking.
How people cook with it
Flour is a fundamental ingredient in countless baked goods and dishes, providing structure and body.
- Baking cakes and cookies
- Making bread and rolls
- Thickening sauces and gravies
- Coating meats for frying
All-purpose flour is versatile and can be used in a wide range of recipes. When baking, it's often combined with leavening agents like baking powder or yeast to create rise. It can be mixed into batters for pancakes and waffles or kneaded into dough for bread and pizza crusts. For savory dishes, it's frequently used to create roux for sauces and gravies, or as a coating for fried foods to achieve a crispy exterior.
How it differs from similar foods
This flour strikes a balance, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of recipes.
Who it is for
Home bakers and cooks rely on this staple for everyday culinary creations.
How to keep the rest
To maintain freshness, store the flour in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. This prevents moisture absorption and keeps out pests. Properly stored, it can last for several months, though its quality may diminish over extended periods.