How to measure flour
All flour is pre-sifted but it settles during shipment.
A cup of flour scooped directly from the bag can weigh up to 5 ounces but is SHOULD weigh 4 ounces.
To measure flour correctly fluff up flour in the bag or canister before measuring then sprinkle it lightly with a spoon into a measuring cup, scrape the excess off the top with a knife.
Flour measuring instructions
Measuring Flour: Correct method
In order to measure flour correctly, it must be sifted once before measuring to prevent packing of the flour.
Most recipes for baked products assume this, since sifted flour tends to pack on standing. This sifting process should be performed just prior to measuring.
Estimate the amount of flour which must be sifted for the measurement and sift.
To fill the measuring cup, the flour should be dipped with a tablespoon and placed lightly into the cup until the cup is heaping full.
Excess flour is then removed by moving a straight edge such as a knife or metal spatula across the top of the heaping cup. It is important at all times during this process of filing or leveling the cup, not to shake the cup (or tap) since either will cause packing of the flour.
Thus, the correct technique of measuring flour consists of 3 steps:
- Sift the flour
- Fill the measuring cup to heaping full
- Level cup with a straight-edged spatula or kitchen knife
When flour is measured by this method, which eliminates packing of the flour as much as possible, one cup should weigh about 4 ounces or 112 grams.
A second method is to sift directly and evenly into the cup and level off with a straight-edged spatula.
Measuring Flour: Incorrect Method
When flour is measured without sifting but by tapping the measuring cup, additional flour is needed to fill the cup - the result of packing of the flour.
Since the degree of packing cannot be controlled, measuring flour in this manner will result in variable results.
During our testing, in one case, one cup measured by this method weighed 173 grams, an increase of 61 grams over the standard measure.
This increase represents an excess of one-half cup of flour!?! in a recipe and would probably yield an inconsistent result.
Comments
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