Wheat Flour — Nutrients, Health Benefits, And Shopping Tips

Wheat flour should be uniform in color and finely ground. When pinched, it should clump lightly but break apart easily, suggesting it's properly milled. The flour should have a fresh, neutral smell, ideal for baking.

Avoid wheat flour that smells sour or appears discolored, as these can indicate spoilage or contamination. Flour that feels damp or shows signs of insect activity should also be avoided, as it is not suitable for use.

Wheat flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. Proper storage keeps it fresh and prevents it from absorbing moisture or odors. Flour can be refrigerated or frozen for longer shelf life.

Exposure to moisture and heat can cause flour to spoil and develop a rancid odor. Avoid storing it near strong-smelling foods, as it can absorb unwanted odors. Ensure the container is tightly sealed to maintain its quality.

Wheat flour can last for 6-8 months when stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Whole wheat flour has a shorter shelf life of about 4-6 months. For longer storage, flour can be kept in the refrigerator or freezer, where it can last up to 1 year.

Leftover wheat flour can be used in a variety of culinary and non-culinary ways. In the kitchen, wheat flour is essential for baking and cooking, used in making breads, cakes, pastries, sauces, and coatings for frying. Flour can also be used to thicken soups and stews or to make roux for rich, creamy sauces.

Beyond cooking, wheat flour has several practical uses. It can be used in DIY beauty treatments, such as mixing it with water to create a natural face mask that helps absorb excess oil. Wheat flour can also be sprinkled on hands and surfaces to prevent dough from sticking when working with sticky substances, such as play dough or crafts. Additionally, flour can be used as a natural cleaner for polishing stainless steel; simply apply a small amount to a soft cloth and buff the surface to remove fingerprints and smudges. Wheat flour can also be used to create homemade glue or paste for craft projects.