Whole-wheat flour facts for kids
Whole-wheat flour is a type of flour made from the entire wheat grain. In the United States, it's called "whole-wheat flour." In the United Kingdom, people often call it "wholemeal flour." This flour is a basic ingredient for many foods.
It is made by grinding the whole wheat grain. The whole grain is also known as a wheatberry. Whole-wheat flour is used to bake breads and other tasty goods.
Sometimes, whole-wheat flour is mixed with "white" flours. White flours have been processed more. Mixing them helps add back important nutrients. These nutrients include fiber, protein, and vitamins. It also helps improve the texture of baked foods.
Contents
What is Whole-Wheat Flour?
Whole-wheat flour comes from grinding the entire wheat kernel. This kernel has three main parts:
- The bran: This is the outer layer. It's full of fiber, minerals, and antioxidants.
- The germ: This is the part that sprouts into a new plant. It has healthy fats, vitamins, and protein.
- The endosperm: This is the largest part. It mostly contains carbohydrates and some protein.
When flour is made from the whole grain, it keeps all these parts. This makes it very nutritious.
How is Whole-Wheat Flour Made?
Making whole-wheat flour involves a process called milling. Large machines grind the whole wheat grains. This turns them into a fine powder.
The goal is to keep all parts of the grain together. This is different from white flour. White flour usually removes the bran and germ.
Types of Whole-Wheat Flour
There are different kinds of whole-wheat flour. They depend on the type of wheat used.
White Whole-Wheat Flour
In the United States, you might hear about "white whole-wheat flour." This flour comes from a type of wheat called hard white spring wheat. Even though it's called "white," it still contains all the bran and germ. It often has a milder taste and lighter color than regular whole-wheat flour.
In places like the United Kingdom and India, whole-wheat flour is often made from white wheat. This is different from the red wheat commonly used in the United States.
Why is Whole-Wheat Flour Good for You?
Whole-wheat flour is a healthy choice. It's packed with nutrients that are good for your body.
- Fiber: The fiber in whole-wheat flour helps your digestive system. It can also make you feel full longer.
- Vitamins: It contains important B vitamins. These help your body get energy from food.
- Minerals: You'll find minerals like iron and magnesium. These are important for healthy blood and bones.
- Protein: Whole-wheat flour provides protein. Protein is essential for building and repairing body tissues.
Eating foods made with whole-wheat flour can be a great way to get more of these important nutrients.
