Baking bread: What does the type designation on flours mean?

Unravel the Secrets of Flour Type Numbers in Bread Baking - Which Flour Types are Best

Baking Bread: What Do the Type Numbers on Flours Mean?

If you're involved in baking bread, you've probably wondered at some point what the type numbers on flours mean. These type numbers are an important factor in baking as they form the foundation for the texture, taste, and consistency of the bread. In this article, you'll learn more about the different type numbers on flours and how they are used in baking bread.

What Do the Type Numbers on Flours Mean?

Choosing the right flour plays a crucial role in bread baking. But what do the type numbers on flours mean? We explain it.

The Difference Between Wheat and Spelt Flour

Wheat flour is obtained from wheat grains, while spelt flour is obtained from spelt grains. Spelt flour is richer in minerals and vitamins than wheat flour. It also has a higher fiber content.

The Type Numbers

The type numbers on flours indicate how finely the flour is milled. The lower the type number, the finer the flour, as more components are filtered out. These flours are called refined flour. 

• Type 405: This is the finest wheat flour and is used, among other things, for cakes and cookies.
• Type 550: This flour is a bit coarser than Type 405 and is suitable for cakes, cookies, and finer types of bread.
• Type 812: This flour is even coarser than Type 550 and is suitable for rustic types of bread.
• Type 1050: This is the coarsest wheat flour and is used for rustic bread.

Spelt Flour

Spelt flour is labeled with the same type numbers as wheat flour. However, spelt flour is a bit coarser than wheat flour of the same type number.

• Type 630: This is the finest spelt flour and is used, among other things, for cakes and cookies.
• Type 1050: This flour is a bit coarser than Type 630 and is suitable for cakes, cookies, and finer types of bread.
• Type 1700: This flour is even coarser than Type 1050 and is suitable for rustic types of bread.
• Type 2000: This is the coarsest spelt flour and is used for rustic bread.

Conclusion

The type numbers on flours indicate how finely the flour is milled. The lower the type number, the finer the flour. For spelt flour, the type number is slightly higher than for wheat flour to achieve the same granularity.

It's important to understand that the type number on flours plays a vital role in bread baking. Depending on the type of bread you want to bake, you must choose the appropriate type of flour. While wheat flour is used for most types of bread, other types of flour, like rye flour, spelt flour, or wholemeal flour, can also be used. Remember that there are also different flour types, such as all-purpose flour, wheat flour Type 550, and wheat flour Type 1050. If you are unsure which flour type to use for your bread, you can always refer to a recipe or ask a baker. This way, you’ll achieve the best results for your bread.

We hope this article has helped you understand the different type numbers on flour. Remember, choosing the right type of flour for your bread is crucial for achieving tasty and moist bread. If you want to learn more about baking bread, we recommend visiting our blog for more information. Enjoy your baking!