The best types of flour for baking bread at a glance

Baking Bread: What Types of Flour Are There?

May 12, 2023 Julia Haberecht
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Bread Baking: An Introduction to Different Types of Flour

Bake your own bread at home! It is an ancient tradition practiced in many cultures and countries around the world. But what types of flour are there, and how do they affect the taste and texture of the bread? In this blog article, we will look at the different types of flour that can be used for baking bread.

An Overview of Flour Types

Baking bread is an art that many people love. To bake a good bread, it is important to use the right type of flour. There are different types of flour that can be used for different types of bread. Here is a list of the most common types of flour:

White Flour: White flour is most commonly used for baking bread. It has a low protein content and is best suited for soft, fine breads.
Whole Wheat Flour: Whole wheat flour is a healthy option because it contains all parts of the grain. It has a high protein content and is best suited for hearty breads.
Rye Flour: Rye flour is a dark type of flour with a nutty flavor. It has a high protein content and is best suited for hearty breads.
Spelt Flour: Spelt flour is a light type of flour with a sweet flavor. It has a medium protein content and is best suited for soft breads.
Mixed Flour: Mixed flour is a combination of different flours. It has a medium protein content and is best suited for hearty breads.

Types of Flour Labels

Basically, the higher the number on the flour package, the more parts of the grain are included. The lower the number, the more components have been sifted out. Flours with low numbers are called extraction flours because they contain only an extract from the grain. And then there are whole grain flours, which contain the whole grain including the germ and bran. Whole grain flours are the healthiest with the most minerals and dietary fiber. They do not last as long as extraction flours.

Wheat Flour Type 405

Wheat Flour Type 550

Wheat Flour Type 1050

Rye Flour Type 997

Rye Flour Type 1150

Rye Flour Type 1800

Spelt Flour Type 630

Spelt Flour Type 1050

Which Flour for Which Bread?

If you want your bread to be airy and soft, like a French baguette or an Italian ciabatta, use light extraction flours like Wheat Type 405, Type 550, or Spelt Type 630. If you want to bake a healthy mixed bread, add a portion of rye flour or a wheat or spelt flour with a higher number, or even a whole grain flour. But no more than 30% of the total flour content. And if you want to bake a hearty farmhouse bread, learn about the special features of using rye flours and use them.

Conclusion

There is a variety of different types of flour suitable for baking bread. Every baker should consider which type of flour best suits their recipe. Depending on the intended use, you can choose between wheat flour, rye flour, spelt flour, and some other flours like emmer flour, oat flour, barley flour, corn flour, rice flour, and other types of flour. Each type of flour has its own characteristics and advantages that should be considered when baking bread. Beginners should start with wheat flour and work their way through spelt or rye to the aforementioned specialty flours like emmer.

It is important to choose the right type of flour for baking bread to achieve an optimal result. A good bread requires the right combination of flour, water, yeast, and spices. With the right type of flour, you can bake a delicious and aromatic bread that everyone will enjoy.