Flour for bread

Grouchy

I've been experimenting a bit and wondered what others opinions are on this. Basically, do you think there is a quality and taste difference between Very Strong vs Strong vs Organic Strong white bread flour? Also the own brand vs branded?

This question is purely on taste and overall quality of end product and not price (love my bread so I'd rather spend a little more for a better result). Most of my white bread making is of the rustic or savoury sort.

Cheers

7_week_wonder

I switched to using Manitoba Canadian white flour (I get it in 12kg sacks from Costco) a couple of years ago, and I noticed quite a difference in my bread. Previously I'd either used own brand strong flour or Allisons (I think) bread flour. Of course I could be imagining it, and I've also been told that the individual harvests can have a huge impact (I think I read that this year's European wheat harvest was quite low in gluten) but that's my experience!

peachyprice

I haven't noticed any difference between Sainsbury's own, Allinsons, Hovis or Doves Farm, Asda own was a complete disaster though.

The only one so far that I have noticed a better flavour and texture with is Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Canadian, but I tend only to get it when it's on offer as it's more money for a smaller bag.

YORKSHIRELASS

peachyprice wrote: »

I haven't noticed any difference between Sainsbury's own, Allinsons, Hovis or Doves Farm, Asda own was a complete disaster though.

The only one so far that I have noticed a better flavour and texture with is Sainsbury's Taste the Difference Canadian, but I tend only to get it when it's on offer as it's more money for a smaller bag.

This is interesting. I had been buying Asda or Tescos own bread flour and then bought some Allinsons because it was on offer. My pizza made with Allinsons seemed to have a better taste and texture - in fact the family commented how nice it was - but not sure if this was for some other reason!

megela

Allisons is making bricks for me at the moment so I've using Lidl's own brand after reading recommendations on here.

rowsew

Canadian wheat flour may be better this year due to appalling harvest in the UK last year, even the flour I am buying from the farm shop says on the packet 'supplemented with Canadian wheat due to poor UK harvest'.

Generally I buy Lidl's flour which is normally UK and an excellent price, but the Canadian flour has a stronger protein content so can make a better loaf. Waitrose have a good Canadian bread flour if you're not bothered by price.

Grouchy

Thanks for all the replies. I hadn't thought about the quality of flour related to the quality of the harvest. So now I have something to blame LOL
Unfortunately, I don't have a Costco anywhere near otherwise would give the Canadian flour a go, it does have the reputation of being the best!
No waitrose near me though I might get some to try when in London.
I have found the store brands less reliable but was not sure if it was perhaps me and my baking technique (not the most experienced bread maker).
I really want to be self sufficient in bread making so finding the right flour might give me less failures as I experiment to find the best basic ingredient mix

Cheers