Can you tell difference btw Self Raising and Plain Flour????

Sarahlou_2 · 9 September 2009 at 4:44PM

Hi

Sorry for the stupid question, but I wanted to make some fairy cakes.

I've got some flour in a tub but stupidly dont know if it's SR or plain!!!

Last time I tried to make them, I put some baking powder in. As soon as they went in oven they raised, spread all over the show and I had to bin them.......so does this suggest it was SR flour?

McKneff · 9 September 2009 at 4:47PM

I dont think you can Sarah.

I think your reasoning could be good though.

jeanod · 9 September 2009 at 4:48PM

yes I would say so, If it was plain flour it would'nt have risen up as much.

lolarentt · 9 September 2009 at 4:53PM

Try cooking a little something simple that uses plain flour with no raising agent in the recipe (shortcrust pastry?). Then if it rises when you know it shouldn't you'll confirm your suspicions that it's SR!

Sarahlou_2 · 9 September 2009 at 4:57PM

Hmmm wanted to make some cakes tonight for a friend tomorrow - I might just chance it and not put any baking powder in.....eek

lolarentt · 9 September 2009 at 5:08PM

Sarahlou wrote: »

Hmmm wanted to make some cakes tonight for a friend tomorrow - I might just chance it and not put any baking powder in.....eek

Go on, give it a go!

Let us know tomorrow!!

misskool · 9 September 2009 at 5:10PM

you could get a glass of warm water and stir some of the flour in. If it fizzes, then it'll have bicarb and it'll be self raising?

skintlass · 9 September 2009 at 5:21PM

misskool wrote: »

you could get a glass of warm water and stir some of the flour in. If it fizzes, then it'll have bicarb and it'll be self raising?

What a clever idea :j

Sarahlou_2 · 9 September 2009 at 5:25PM

misskool wrote: »

you could get a glass of warm water and stir some of the flour in. If it fizzes, then it'll have bicarb and it'll be self raising?

Just tried that, a very slight fizzy noise (not like alka seltzer! lol)

babyshoes · 9 September 2009 at 5:36PM

You can usually taste the raising agent, so if you put a little in water see if it tastes like plain flour or if it has that slightly odd tang like baking powder, if you can bear to taste raw flour!!