Question

Explain the various types of wheat flour and their use(s).

Hint:

Fact: Whole wheat products are healthier than refined ones due to higher fiber and nutrient content.

Answer 1

Wheat flour is a staple ingredient used for making a variety of food products worldwide.
Different types of wheat flour are produced by varying the degree of milling, extraction, and refinement.
1. Whole wheat flour: This flour is made by grinding the entire wheat kernel, including bran, germ, and endosperm.
It is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it healthier than refined flour.
Whole wheat flour is commonly used for making chapatis, rotis, whole-grain bread, and bakery items.
2. Refined wheat flour (Maida): Maida is produced by removing the bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm.
It is finely milled and white in color.
Refined flour is used for baking cakes, pastries, biscuits, noodles, and various snacks due to its soft texture and high gluten content.
3. Semolina (Sooji or Rava): Semolina is coarsely ground endosperm of wheat.
It is used for preparing upma, halwa, pasta, and some varieties of bread and bakery products.
4. Atta: In India, atta refers to stone-ground whole wheat flour.
It retains more fiber and nutrients compared to maida and is mainly used for making traditional Indian flatbreads like chapati and paratha.
Choosing the right type of flour depends on the end product, nutritional preference, and texture required in cooking or baking.