Flour, Semolina & Starch - Everything You Need to Know

What is Flour?

Flour is an important ingredient in many dishes and baked goods. It is made from various grains and is available in different degrees of milling. The higher the degree of milling, the more fiber and nutrients it contains. The most well-known types of flour are wheat flour, rye flour, and spelt flour.

What is Semolina?

Semolina is made from various grains and is a coarse flour. It is particularly suitable for the preparation of semolina pudding, semolina dumplings, and noodles. Semolina can also be used as a breading or to thicken soups and sauces.

What is Starch?

Starch is a carbohydrate and is obtained from various plants. The most well-known sources of starch are potatoes, corn, and wheat. Starch is often used in the food industry as a binder and thickener. It is also suitable for dusting dough surfaces and thickening sauces.

What Types of Flour Are There?

There are a variety of different types of flour that differ in degree of milling, flavor, and use. Here are the most well-known types of flour:

Wheat Flour

Wheat flour is the most commonly used flour and is made from wheat grains. It is available in different degrees of milling, with type 405 being the most commonly used.

Rye Flour

Rye flour is made from rye grains and has a strong, spicy flavor. It is available in different degrees of milling and is particularly suitable for the preparation of bread and baked goods.

Spelt Flour

Spelt flour is made from spelt grains and has a mild, nutty flavor. It is available in different degrees of milling and is particularly suitable for the preparation of bread, baked goods, and noodles.

Oat Flour

Oat flour is made from oat grains and has a mild, nutty flavor. It contains a lot of fiber and is particularly suitable for the preparation of muesli, porridge, and bread.

Buckwheat Flour

Buckwheat flour is made from buckwheat grains and has a strong, slightly bitter flavor. It is naturally gluten-free and is particularly suitable for the preparation of pancakes and crepes.

What Types of Semolina Are There?

There are different types of semolina that differ in grain size and the type of grain used. Here are the most well-known types of semolina:

Hard Wheat Semolina

Hard wheat semolina is made from hard wheat grains and has a coarse structure. It is particularly suitable for the preparation of noodles, semolina dumplings, and semolina pudding.

Soft Wheat Semolina

Soft wheat semolina is made from soft wheat grains and has a fine structure. It is particularly suitable as a breading or to thicken soups and sauces.

Corn Semolina

Corn semolina is made from corn grains and has a coarse structure. It is particularly suitable for the preparation of polenta, semolina pudding, and breading.

What Types of Starch Are There?

There are different types of starch that differ in origin and properties. Here are the most well-known types of starch:

Potato Starch

Potato starch is obtained from potatoes and is particularly suitable as a binder and thickener for soups and sauces. It is tasteless and gluten-free.

Corn Starch

Corn starch is obtained from corn and is particularly suitable as a binder and thickener for soups and sauces. It is tasteless and gluten-free.

Wheat Starch

Wheat starch is obtained from wheat and is particularly suitable as a binder and thickener for soups and sauces. It is tasteless and contains gluten.

Tapioca Starch

Tapioca starch is obtained from the root of the cassava plant and is particularly suitable as a binder and thickener for soups and sauces. It is tasteless and gluten-free.

Arrowroot Starch

Arrowroot starch is obtained from the root of the arrowroot plant and is particularly suitable as a binder and thickener for soups and sauces. It is tasteless and gluten-free.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are a variety of flour types, semolina types, and sources of starch that differ in flavor, properties, and use. By using the right ingredients, you can perfect your dishes and baked goods and meet your individual taste.