Flour is a crushed product made from various grains. As a rule, it is made from wheat or rye, less often from oats, rice, buckwheat, corn and so on. After grinding, the size of the grains may be different. If the flour is thin and has good gluten, it absorbs moisture very much and can “cake”.
The need for sifting flour is also due to the fact that it improves its quality. After this process, it loosens, heats up and is saturated with oxygen. In addition, sieving is recommended in order to prevent the ingestion of poorly crushed particles of grain, clumps of lumps, fibers from bags, as well as insects in some cases.
Also, sifting of flour is carried out in order to obtain more “airy” baking, as well as to prevent the appearance of lumps in the dough.
How is screening done?
There are several ways to accomplish this task. The most standard and well-known method is the use of a sieve or sieve. This device is a grid of thin metal wire or fishing line, stretched on one side of a wide hoop. The hoop is usually wooden, metal or plastic.
In order to sift the flour, you need to pour it on a grid in a sieve. Down is placed a deep dish for collecting refined flour. The sieve is shaken in smooth movements.
Modern version
Today, in stores you can find a more modern type of device for sifting flour. It is a large metal mug resembling a beer mug and equipped with a lever on the handle. When pressed, a special mechanism is set in motion, located inside the mug, which sifts and pushes the flour.
Thus, the sieve and its analogues have been used for a very long time, therefore, when it is absent, many do not know what to do in this case. However, there are many ways to sift flour without a sieve.
Colander and gauze
As already noted, the desired consistency can be given to flour with various improvised means. For sifting, any item with many small holes is suitable. First of all, you can apply a colander. A fine mesh filter is also good. Speaking about how to sift flour without a sieve using any object with holes, one should not forget about cheesecloth. It can be pulled on any surface and, using a fork, stir and mash flour through it, forcing it into the holes. Kitchen utensils that allow you to stretch gauze can be found in any housewife.
How to sift flour without a sieve (photo)
In addition to the above, there are other methods. They are not actually screening, but can be a good alternative to this process. Their effectiveness is slightly less, but for lack of other choice they are perfect. So what can be used for this? How to sift flour without a sieve and gauze?
Firstly, it can be a regular whisk for beating eggs and dough. To use it, you just need to pour the flour into a deep container and make the same movements as when whipping liquid products. This method will help get rid of lumps, but to add splendor to the test with it will not work.
Secondly, you can use a blender or a food processor. The essence of this method, how to sift flour without a sieve, boils down to the same as using a whisk. Lumps will be easily broken without effort on your part, but lightness is unlikely.
Manual way
How to sift flour without a sieve and any other devices? This can also be done manually. To do this, open the package with flour and tap on its edges with your palm. The product inside will begin to shake and crumble. After that, you need to take a deep container, pour the right amount of flour into it and begin to mix it thoroughly with two tablespoons. In this case, it is necessary to make movements up and down. After about two minutes of such processing, the flour will become friable and light, since a certain amount of air will get into it.
However, this method, how to sift flour without a sieve, is applicable only if the product was stored in sealed packaging under appropriate conditions. It also matters the time during which the flour has been packaged.
Is screening necessary in all cases?
Today, flour is usually sold already refined. In rare cases, it contains foreign matter in the form of fiber particles from burlap. However, the problem of mold and insects may be relevant now. This happens if the storage conditions of the product are violated. If the packaging is not airtight and there is increased humidity in the room, the risk of mold and lumps is very high. Also, open packaging and warm, moist conditions contribute to the appearance of bugs in the product. In this case, the only way to sift flour without an insect screen is to use gauze. All of the above methods using improvised tools will not work.
To avoid such a negative phenomenon, you need to pack the flour immediately after purchase in a container with a tight lid and leave it in a cool, dry place. You should also remember that this product is stored without compromising its quality for no more than six months. Of course, you can sift and shake the stale flour, but it is advisable to use it fresh and not losing its positive qualities.