Do you really need a flour sifter?

Now, most commercial flour is refined and clump-free, meaning there's no real need to sift it. (You should, however, use a kitchen scale to ensure that your cups of flour aren't way heavier than the recipe developer's.)

Can you use if you don't have a sifter?

If you don't have a sieve or a sifter, however, fear not. You can sift flour with a whisk. A whisk both mixes and aerates in one, simple power move. You can also use a fork, but a whisk works a lot better.

What happens if you don't Sift the flour?

First, it gets the lumps out of the flour. As dry ingredients sit in a box or a bag, they start to compact and cling together. It's most evident with ingredients like brown sugar, but you'll also see it with flour, cocoa powder and confectioners' sugar, too.

How do I sift all purpose flour without a sifter?

The simplest way we know to sift flour is to dump it into a strainer over our mixing bowl. A fine-meshed strainer is best, but any old strainer or even a colander can work in a pinch. Holding the handle with one hand and tapping the strainer gently with the other, the flour will gradually sift through the strainer.

Is sifting flour a myth?

Now that this curious mystery has been explained, we have some bad news for you: there is absolutely no point in sifting flour. Exactly, it is nothing but a myth, which may have found its way into recipes for the sole purpose of making them sound more authentic and homely.

Why You Should Sift Flour

Should flour be sifted before measuring?

In a word: Yes. When a recipe calls for “1 cup sifted flour,” the flour should be sifted before measuring; whereas “1 cup flour, sifted” should be sifted after measuring.

How much Unsifted flour equals 1 cup sifted flour?

One cup of unsifted flour weighs 5 ounces, and 1 cup of sifted flour weighs 4 ounces.

Can you use a strainer to sift flour?

You can sift flour with a flour sifter or a fine-mesh strainer. My preference is the strainer because it's a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for more than task.

Is a strainer the same as a sifter?

Generally, you'll want a sifter for solid materials, as this tool often includes a sieve that a strainer may not. On the other hand, you'll most likely use a sifter for your flour separation needs.

Do you need to sift flour for cookies?

For desserts that are chewy or crisp like cookies, sifting flour isn't a must. The purpose of sifting flour through a sieve or sifter helps break up clumps and aerates the ingredients. In the past, sifted flour also allowed for more accurate measuring results.

Do you sift granulated sugar?

When a baking recipe says to sift together ingredients, it is always referring to dry ingredients like flour, sugar, salt, baking soda, baking powder, etc. To sift these ingredients together, you place them into a sifter and then sift them all into a bowl.

What is the purpose of a flour sifter?

Why You Should Sift Flour. Putting your flour through a sifter will break up any lumps in the flour, which means you can get a more accurate measurement. Sifted flour is much lighter than unsifted flour and is easier to mix into other ingredients when making batters and doughs.

Is a fine mesh strainer the same as a sifter?

A sieve—also known as a sifter—is typically a basket made of a metal fine-mesh weave with a handle attached. Its job is to aerate and separate dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, and powdered sugar, which will lead to a lighter and more tender crumb in baked goods.

How do you strain without a strainer?

Some of the best ways to strain liquid without using a strainer include using a slotted spoon, using cheesecloth, using tongs to pull pasta and noodles out of the water, using the lid of the cooking pot, or using coffee filters or other similarly fine straining vessels.

How do you strain flour?

Hold a fine-mesh strainer (or sieve) over a bowl, add the flour to the strainer, and gently tap the side repeatedly until all of the flour has passed through the strainer. You may need to help the last little bit get through the holes—just move it around with a spoon.

Does sifting flour increased volume?

When flour is sifted, air is added to it, lightening it, getting rid of any lumps, and increasing the volume. Some recipes call for flour to be measured first and then sifted.

Can I scoop flour?

Use a spoon to fluff up the flour within the container. Use a spoon to scoop the flour into the measuring cup. Use a knife or other straight-edged utensil to level the flour across the measuring cup.

What should be avoided when measuring flour?

Measuring Flour Correctly

Do not use a coffee cup or drinking glass. If the flour has been sitting in the container for a while, stir it to loosen it. Lightly spoon the flour directly into the measuring cup from the container or bag.

Do you need to sift flour for bread?

Sifting flour isn't necessary when making bread. Flour is sifted to incorporate more air into a mixture, but bread is risen by the CO2 that's produced by the yeast and any air added at the start will be pushed out when kneading. You may want to sift flour if it contains certain impurities or bran.

How important is the sifting method in baking cakes?

Ultimately by sifting flour, you are removing any clumps your flour might have and adding air into your flour. If the recipe you are using calls for sifted flour and you don't sift it, you will end up with too much flour, potentially making the item too dry.

Should brown sugar be sifted?

Sifting brown sugar: When brown sugar is called for in a recipe, sift it before mixing it into a recipe. Even if the sugar is soft, it may still have small hard lumps, which can be hard to pick out of a batter or dough. Sifting beforehand takes care of any clumps before they become a problem.

Which food items need to be sifted?

The flour in cakes with a very light, delicate texture like genoise, angel food, or sponge should be sifted to eliminate and prevent lumps that would weigh down the batter.