
Bread Flour
Bread flour is a high-protein flour, typically containing 12-14% protein, which is crucial for developing strong gluten networks. This high gluten content gives bread its characteristic chewy texture and ability to rise well. Bread flour has a slightly off-white color and a coarser texture compared to all-purpose flour. Bakers looking for a flour that yields loaves with a firm crumb, good structure, and impressive oven spring often reach for bread flour.
Common Uses
- Use bread flour for making artisan breads to achieve a crisp crust and open crumb structure. The high protein content promotes excellent gluten development, essential for creating those signature air pockets.- Create perfectly chewy pizza dough with bread flour, its strength allows the dough to be stretched thin without tearing, resulting in a pizza base that's both crispy and satisfyingly chewy.- Use bread flour to bake soft and fluffy sandwich bread that holds its shape well. The enhanced gluten formation ensures a stable loaf that's ideal for slicing and layering with fillings.- Develop light and airy sourdough starters with bread flour to feed the yeast and bacteria. The nutrient-rich flour provides an optimal environment for fermentation, leading to a complex and tangy flavor.- Enrich enriched doughs, such as brioche or challah, with bread flour to handle the extra fat and sugar. Its gluten strength prevents the dough from becoming too slack, guaranteeing a tender yet structured crumb.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
364.0kcal (18.2%)
Protein
10.3g (20.6%)
Carbs
76.3g (27.75%)
Sugars
0.3g (0.6%)
Healthy Fat
0.8g
Unhealthy Fat
0.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
364.0kcal (18.2%)
Protein
10.3g (20.6%)
Carbs
76.3g (27.75%)
Sugars
0.3g (0.6%)
Healthy Fat
0.8g
Unhealthy Fat
0.2g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Health Benefits
- Good source of energy due to its carbohydrate content, fueling physical activity and brain function.
- Provides dietary fiber, promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation.
- Contains iron, essential for red blood cell production and preventing anemia.
- May contribute to satiety, helping to manage weight by promoting feelings of fullness.
- Enriched bread flour often contains added vitamins like folic acid, important for cell growth and development.
Substitutes
Storage Tips
Bread flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Properly stored bread flour can last for 6-8 months at room temperature. For longer storage, especially in humid climates, freezing bread flour is an option. Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and it can last for up to a year.
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