Practical use of flour | Types and benefits

Flour is one of the indispensable ingredients in our kitchens. It is used in many recipes, from cakes to cookies, from breads to desserts. But the practical use of flour is not limited to this. At the same time, flour offers many benefits for our health. In this article, we’ll discover the practical uses of flour and learn how to use it in a healthy way.

Practical use of flour

Flour is one of the ingredients we use most in our kitchens and is an important ingredient in many different dishes and desserts. However, the fields of application of flour are not limited to this. Due to its practical and diverse properties, flour is a versatile material that can be used in many different ways. Here’s a look at the practical uses of flour;

1. Production of bread and pastries

Flour is an indispensable ingredient in making bread and pastries. It is the basic ingredient of many delicious products such as bread, cake, pies, pizza. By using different flours, you can achieve different textures and flavors. The binding property of flour allows you to shape your dough and get the consistency you want.

2. Dessert and pastries

Flour is the basic ingredient of desserts and cakes. Flour is used to prepare many desserts such as cakes, cookies, pies and muffins. Flour strengthens the structure of candies, makes them rise and balances the consistency, giving you delicious results.

3. Pasta and pizza production

Flour plays an important role in making dough-based dishes such as pasta and pizza. It increases the elasticity of the dough and ensures a perfect consistency. You can create different flavors and textures by using different flours.

4. Make soup and sauce

Flour is also used as a thickener, used in making soups and sauces. You can use flour to adjust the consistency of the sauces to your liking. The binding property of flour gives soups and sauces the desired consistency and enriches their taste.

5. Production of cakes, cookies and biscuits

Flour is a crucial ingredient in making cakes, cookies and biscuits. The flour used for these desserts allows the dough to rise and get the desired texture. Flour strengthens the structure of these desserts and completes their taste.

6. Dietary and gluten-free alternatives

Many people today are looking for diet-friendly and gluten-free alternatives. Flour forms the basis for many of the ingredients used to make these alternatives. Different flours such as almond flour, coconut flour, lentil flour may be preferred to achieve healthy and gluten free flavours.

7. Natural cleaning and care products for the home

The areas of application of flour are not only in the kitchen, but also in the home making of cleaning and care products. Flour can be used as a stain remover and polishing agent. You can use flour to clean carpets, brighten pots and pans, or gently cleanse your skin.

Different types of flour

Flour is basically a material obtained by grinding grains of cereal. But there are different types of flour, and each has certain characteristics. These different types of flour vary depending on their intended use, the types of grains they contain, and the milling processes. Here’s a look at the different types of flour:

White flower

White flour is a type of flour obtained by completely grinding and extracting grains. In this process, the outer shell and nutritional elements are removed from the flour. This will make white flour have a finer texture. White flour is commonly used in many different recipes, such as breads, pastries, and desserts. However, it is a more refined option due to its low nutritional value.

Whole grain flour

Whole wheat flour is a type of flour that contains the outer shell and core of wheat. That is why wholemeal flour contains more fiber, vitamins and minerals. Wholemeal flour supports intestinal health, gives a feeling of satiety and keeps blood sugar levels more balanced. It can be used in products such as wholemeal flour, bread, biscuits and breakfast cereals.

Whole grain flour

Wholemeal flour is a type of flour obtained by grinding wheat and contains all grain ingredients. Whole wheat flour is rich in fiber, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants because it contains the husk, endosperm and embryonic parts. Therefore, whole wheat flour is a more nutritious option and more filling than white flour. Wholemeal flour is ideal for bread, cake, pasta and other baked goods.

Cornstarch

Cornmeal is a type of flour obtained by grinding corn. Cornmeal is suitable for gluten-free diets because it is a gluten-free option. Cornmeal is used in recipes such as tortillas, cornbread and some desserts.

almond flour

Almond flour is a type of flour obtained by grinding almonds. Almond flour is a nutritious option that is low in carbohydrates, high in protein and healthy fats. Ideal for gluten-free and low-carb diets. Almond flour can be used in recipes such as desserts, cookies, muffins and breads.

Benefits of Flour

Flour is one of the indispensable ingredients of our kitchens and is used in many different dishes and desserts. But did you know that flour doesn’t just add flavor? Flour is a nutritious ingredient that also offers some health benefits. These are the benefits of flour:

Nutritional value

Flour contains important nutrients because it mainly comes from grains. These nutrients include fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals. More complementary flours, such as wholemeal and wholemeal flour, are particularly rich in fiber, vitamin B and iron. Flour provides energy with its nutritional value and helps to meet the nutritional needs of the body.

Digestive Health

Flour supports digestion with its fiber content. Fiber regulates bowel movements, prevents constipation and helps the digestive system work properly. Fiber-rich flours, such as wholemeal flour, increase the feeling of satiety and reduce the risk of overeating.

Control of blood sugar

Low-glycemic-index flours, such as whole wheat and whole-wheat flour, help blood sugar rise and fall more steadily. This provides long-lasting energy and prevents hunger crises.

Heart health

Whole-wheat flours such as whole-wheat and whole-wheat flour support heart health. These flours may reduce the risk of heart disease by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol while lowering low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol.

Healthy weight management

Flour can aid in healthy weight management. Thanks to its fiber content, it increases the feeling of satiety and helps to eat less. Plus, choosing flours that contain whole grains provides more nutritional value and helps you feel fuller for longer.

Mineral and vitamin source

Flour is a source of some minerals (e.g. iron, zinc and magnesium) and some vitamins, such as B vitamins. These nutrients support energy metabolism, protect cell health and help maintain overall health.

Use of flour in desserts and pastries

Flour is one of the basic components of desserts and cakes and has a wide range of applications in this field. Flour is an important ingredient that provides the consistency, texture and structure of desserts and cakes. Here are some examples of using flour in desserts and pastries:

Cakes

The flour used in cake making is important for its consistency and texture. White flour is often used to make cakes fluffier and fluffier. Other flours such as whole wheat flour, corn flour or almond flour may also be preferred to achieve different flavors. Flour ensures the stability of the cake dough and combines with other ingredients into a homogeneous mixture.

cookies

In cookies, the flour determines the consistency and consistency of the dough. White or whole wheat flour can be used to make crunchy or soft cookies. In addition to flour, other types of flour can be used, such as cornmeal, oatmeal, or coconut flour. Flour strengthens the structure of biscuits and contributes to the formation of delicious snacks.

Pies and pies

Flour plays an important role in making pastries and cakes. Flour is used in both sweet and savory recipes. Flour provides the consistency and elasticity of the dough. Flour is often used in the bases of cakes and pies, and these bases support the fillings added to them.

Supplements and profiteroles

In pastries such as eclairs and profiteroles, flour is used to make the dough rise and light brown. Flour strengthens the structure of the dough and allows it to rise in the oven. White flour is usually used in these pastries, but alternatives such as wholemeal flour or wholemeal flour may also be preferred.

Cream-based puddings and desserts

Cream-based puddings and desserts are often thickened with flour. When cooked by mixing it with flour, milk or cream, it gives the desired consistency and creamy texture to desserts. White flour is often used in these desserts.

What are the different types of flour and in which recipes are they used?

Different flours include options such as white flour, wholemeal flour, wholemeal flour, almond flour, cornmeal. White flour is often used in recipes such as muffins, cookies and breads. Whole wheat flour and wholemeal flour are a more nutritious option and can be used in recipes such as breads, muffins and cookies. Almond flour is ideal for gluten-free and low-carb diets. Cornmeal is used in recipes such as tortillas, cornbread and tortelet crusts.

What are the health effects of flour?

Flour is a fundamental source of energy and has nourishing properties. Whole wheat flours are rich in fiber, vitamins and minerals. Thanks to its fiber content, it supports digestion, increases the feeling of satiety and helps to balance blood sugar levels. In addition, whole wheat flours support heart health and can aid in healthy weight management.

I follow a gluten-free diet, which flours should I choose?

When following a gluten-free diet, you should not consume flours derived from gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley and rye. You can use gluten-free alternative flour instead. A variety of gluten-free flours are available, such as almond flour, coconut flour, corn flour, rice flour, and potato flour.

How do we know if the flour is fresh?

To understand the freshness of flour, you must first look at the expiration date on the package. Also, if the flour is pale or yellow in color, has an unpleasant odor, or shows signs of contamination, it is probably not fresh. Fresh flour is usually white in color, odorless and has a smooth texture.

How should I store flour?

It is important to store flour in a cool, dry and dark place. You can store the flour in an airtight container or in its original packaging to protect it from air and moisture. It is not necessary to store the flour in the refrigerator, as this can expose it to moisture.