When did humans first make cereal flour?
Archaeologists have found evidence of humans making cereal flour over 14,000 years ago. This discovery comes from Shubayqa 1, a Natufian hunter-gatherer site located in northwest Jordan.
Questions about Flour
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened to flour shelf life during industrialization?
Fatty acids within the germ reacted when exposed to oxygen after milling and caused flour to become rancid within six to nine months depending on climate. Degermed flour became standard because removing the germ extended shelf life significantly.
Which countries require wheat flour fortification as of 2016?
As of 2016, it is a legal requirement in 86 countries to fortify wheat flour. The removal of the germ during refining meant that nutrients were lost from the final product so mills added iron, niacin, thiamine and riboflavin.
How does chlorine gas affect commercial flour production?
Chlorine gas serves as both a bleaching agent and a maturing agent used in commercial production. It weakens gluten development and oxidizes starches to make flour easier for water absorption.
Where is teff flour traditionally used?
Teff flour is made from the grain teff and is of considerable importance in eastern Africa particularly around the Horn of Africa. It serves as the chief ingredient in injera bread which is an important component of Ethiopian cuisine.