Measuring flour accurately can make the difference between a loaf of bread turning out as a hit or a flop. If you measure flour directly from a canister or bag, you will end up using more flour than if you had sifted it before measuring. Sifted flour weighs up to 20-25% less than un-sifted flour. This is especially true for the heavier gluten-free flours. As flour sits, it slowly settles, becoming more compacted. Using this compacted flour can make your breads and cakes denser.
This does not mean that you HAVE to sift your flour. You can place the flour in a large bowl and whip it with a wire whisk to loosen up the particles before measuring.
When measuring flour, always level off the tip of the measuring cup with a knife to get the exact measurement. |
