Wheat flour, a cornerstone of countless global cuisines, is a finely ground powder made from wheat grains. It comes in various types, each with unique properties and culinary applications. Here's a detailed description:

Production:

Wheat grains are first cleaned and milled.

Different parts of the grain - endosperm (starchy center), bran (outer layer), and germ (nutrient-rich core) - can be included or excluded during milling, creating different flour types.

Types and Properties:

• All-purpose flour: The most common flour, a blend of hard and soft wheat, suitable for various baking projects like cakes, breads, and cookies. Medium gluten content (8-10%) provides moderate structure and tenderness.
• Bread flour: Made from hard wheat with high gluten content (11-13%), ideal for yeast breads. Gluten forms strong elastic networks, trapping gas and creating airy loaves.
• Pastry flour: Made from soft wheat with low gluten content (7-8%), perfect for delicate pastries like cookies, pie crusts, and crackers. Low gluten yields crumbly, tender textures.
• Cake flour: Finely milled soft wheat flour (7-8% gluten), excellent for light and airy cakes. The fine grind and low gluten prevent dense textures.Whole wheat flour: Made from grinding the entire wheat grain, including bran and germ. Rich in fiber, nutrients, and a nutty flavor, but denser than refined flours.

Additional Points:

Wheat flour is a versatile ingredient, also used for thickening sauces, making pasta, and creating dumplings.

Gluten-free alternatives like almond flour, coconut flour, and chickpea flour exist for celiac disease or dietary restrictions.

Selecting the right flour depends on the desired texture and functionality in your recipe.