Wholemeal flour- plain and SR

[pookiesossige]

So, we're all on a bit of a health kick and I've got this idea that if there's no diff between normal flour and the wholemeal variety, then I'd just never buy the normal stuff and use wholemeal for everything for extra fibre ect.

Can anyone tell me if it is just the same as the finer, bleached kind??
Does the SR flour rise as well?
Does it cook the same- ie does food tend to be dry and need extra moisture before cooking or not?
Oh, and in what sort of cooking should it be avoided and normal flour used instead?

All comments welcome- thanks in advance! :thumbsup:

[Funkychicken]

Hi pookie,
There is a HUGE difference between wholemeal and bleached flours. Bleached flours are basically c$#@ compared to wholemeal but having said that, I still use white flour when I make gravy or white/cheese sauce.
Everything else I use wholemeal. Cakes rise fine still but are a bit denser/heavier. I often increase the liquid by a small amount just to compensate. Biscuits etc... are just as nice as well. You will be doing yourself a big favour to switch to wholemeal-it is just so much better for you. I use a stone-ground variety but there are quite a few brands. The supermarket have their own brand but it is not a good example, so look out for another type.
Good luck and happy health kicking! :D

[pookiesossige]

Oh Thanks heaps funkychicken!! :thumbsup: Ok so a bit more moisture is needed for cakes/muffins etc, that's fine. I have only used it in good ol' anzac biccies so far and it's been great and DS needs all the fibre he can get because he's not keen on breads/cereals etc. I like cornflour in my white/cheese sauce anyway, so I won't change that.

And I've taken the next step- we only eat wholemeal pasta and rice now too. It feels great to be going right back to basics with whatever food we can! :D

[Funkychicken]

Good on you Emma! It does take time and a bit of getting used to but the difference in the way you feel when you start scrapping the processed things like white flours, rice, bread etc...is huge! All the best and I hope you enjoy your lifestyle change. :)