Question 1

Has my flour gone bad?

Accepted Answer

Fresh flour should have a mild, neutral smell. Throw it away if it smells sour, musty, stale, or rancid. Check the flour for moisture, hard clumps, discoloration, or signs of pantry pests. Whole wheat flour and nut flours spoil faster than white flour because they contain more natural oils.

Question 2

Can I substitute bread flour for all-purpose flour?

Accepted Answer

It's fine, usually, but the finished dish may be slightly firmer or chewier.

Question 3

Should flour be sifted before measuring?

Accepted Answer

Only when the flour states "sifted flour." If it states "flour, sifted," measure it before sifting.

flour tips

Flour Tips and Common Substitutions