Heating-treating flour is a process that involves heating the flour to a specific temperature to kill any harmful bacteria or pathogens. Here’s how to heat-treat flour:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the flour in a thin, even layer on a baking sheet. It’s important to ensure that the flour is evenly spread out to allow for even heating.
3. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and heat-treat the flour for 5-10 minutes. Keep a close eye on the flour and stir it every few minutes to ensure that it heats evenly.
4. Use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature of the flour. The flour should reach a temperature of at least 160°F (71°C) to ensure that any harmful bacteria or pathogens are killed.
5. Once the flour has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool completely before using it in your recipes.
It’s important to note that heat-treating flour may affect its texture and performance in some recipes, so it’s best to use heat-treated flour in recipes that specifically call for it or in recipes where the flour will be thoroughly cooked, such as in bread or cake recipes.
