Tara’s Tips: Buying Flour

First of all, purchase flour that is unbleached. Organic flour is best but can be more expensive but is of superior quality. I usually buy Gold Medal unbleached when it goes on sale and I buy 25-30 lbs. of it. The flour goes on sale near baking holidays and about every 6 weeks for 89 cents to $1.25. I have found with bread making that the quality of flour is very important. I NEVER buy generic brands because even though it is cheaper, the bread loaves turn out half the size and the taste and texture is poor. When I do buy in bulk, I buy organic flour from a health food co-op that drops off food locally once a month. You may also check at bulk stores for flour availability.  I did see that Wal-Mart carried 25 lbs. of flour but it is bleached flour and not as healthy. I also do not like the quality of Wal-Mart's flour and I NEVER use Aldi brand cooking products as I have found the quality to be very poor compared to other brands. I will pay an extra 5 cents a loaf for good bread! King Arthur has the best flour quality that I can find and the loaves are superior to any other brand. It is higher priced at $2.50 for 5 lbs, but the flour quality is superior and will produce not only a larger loaf of bread but also great tasting.