Wheat flour, essential for bread

Flour can be made from all kinds of grain and even from other plants like lentils or chestnuts. But common wheat is the most widely used.

ble tendre Episode 2 De la farine bien tracéeIntercéréales

Where does flour come from?

Flour can be made from all kinds of grain and even from other plants (like lentils, for example). However, common wheat is the most widely used thanks to the many different ways it can be used in food.

Broyeur moulin farine by Passion Céréales, Mathilde TOULETIntercéréales

How is flour made?

Flour is made by grinding the wheat grain:
first, grains are selected from several wheat varieties and gathered together; ;
then, the grains are sorted, and moisture is added;
Finally, they are ground and sieved repeatedly to get a finer flour.

Farine vrac by Passion CéréalesIntercéréales

What does the T stand for on flour packaging in France?

The T number given on flour packaging in France is used to define different types of flour according to their ash rate: the higher the T number, the more mineral ash is present. In other words, the higher the T number, the closer you get to whole wheat flour

Un boulanger se frotte les mains avec la farine by bit24 - FotoliaIntercéréales

Types of flour

In France, wheat flour is divided into 6 types: from T45 to T150. The higher the T number, the higher the bran content and therefore the closer you get to whole wheat flour. Each flour has its own uses: from pastry making to farmhouse bread to biscuits and more.

Des croissants prêts à cuire sur une plaque de cuisson by Passion CéréalesIntercéréales

T45: pastry flour

This flour contains less than 0.5% mineral material. It has a pure white and silky appearance and is used in cooking, and especially to make pastries.

pains baguettes tradition by Sebastien d'HalloyIntercéréales

T55 and 65: all-purpose flour for bread, cakes and crepes

Type 65 flour, which has an ash rate of between 0.62% et 0.75% per 3.5 ounces (100 g) of flour, is the most widely used flour for bread-making.

ble tendre SIA 2020 le Fournil painsIntercéréales

T80 and T110: bread flour or first clear flour for specialty loaves

T80 (0.75%–0.90%) and T110 (1%–1.2%), also known collectively as brown flour, are used for farmhouse bread, bran bread, and specialist loaves.

Ressuage : des pains de campagne ronds farinés sur une grille by Passion CéréalesIntercéréales

T150: for whole wheat loaves

This flour contains more than 1.4% of mineral material and is used to make whole wheat bread.

pains baguettes tradition by Sebastien d'HalloyIntercéréales

Traditional French flour

Traditional flour varieties are used to make Baguettes de Tradition Française (Traditional Baguettes), a designation that has been regulated under French law since 1993. Traditional French flour is type T65.

pains tourtes de seigle et pains aux fruits by Sebastien d'HalloyIntercéréales

Flour preparations for specialty loaves

Preparations are flour varieties sold in France containing the ingredients for making specialty loaves, such as dried fruit, grain, bran ...

Farine complète by Passion CéréaleIntercéréales

Organic flour

Organic flour is obtained from wheat that has been farmed organically. It is certified as such by independent organizations.

Variété ancienne de blé pour farine by Passion CéréalesIntercéréales

Traditional flour varieties

Traditional wheat flour is made from wheat varieties that were farmed in the past, with regional names such as the Barbu du Mâconnais or the Rouge de Bordeaux. Since being rediscovered by farmers and millers, they are often produced organically.

Credits: All media
The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
Explore more
Related theme
La Baguette
Learn about France's favorite bread: from bakers to loaf lovers
View theme
Home
Discover
Play
Nearby
Favorites