Flour

baking · grains · cooking

Made from grains. Wheat is the most popular grain for making flour, though flour can also come from rice, oats, barley, and corn. Each type of grain makes flour with different flavors and textures.

Ground into powder. Grains are crushed in a mill (either a traditional stone mill or modern machinery) until they become a fine, soft powder you can use in cooking.

Powers baking. When flour mixes with water and yeast, it creates gluten, a stretchy protein that makes dough rise and gives bread its fluffy structure.

More than just wheat. You can make flour from almonds, chickpeas, potatoes, and even coconuts, creating different flours for special diets and unique flavors.

Thickens sauces. Cooks use flour mixed with butter or water to thicken gravies and sauces, making them creamy and smooth instead of watery.