What Is 00 Flour In Australia? The Answer Will Shock You!

00 flour, renowned for its exceptional quality and versatility, is a finely ground Italian flour that has gained immense popularity in Australian kitchens. It is derived from the endosperm of durum wheat, a high-protein variety, and is designated as “00” due to its ultra-fine texture. This flour is highly prized for its ability to produce dough with excellent elasticity, strength, and a smooth, velvety texture.

Properties and Characteristics of 00 Flour

• Protein Content: 00 flour boasts a high protein content, typically ranging from 12% to 13%. This protein content contributes to the formation of strong gluten networks, resulting in dough with exceptional elasticity and strength.
• Ash Content: 00 flour has a low ash content, indicating a high degree of refinement. This low ash content ensures a light and airy crumb in baked goods.
• Gluten Strength: The high protein content of 00 flour translates to a strong gluten network, which is essential for creating dough that can withstand kneading, shaping, and baking without tearing.
• Water Absorption: 00 flour has a high water absorption capacity, allowing it to absorb a significant amount of water without becoming sticky. This property contributes to dough with a balanced consistency and optimal hydration.

Benefits of Using 00 Flour

• Superior Dough Handling: The strong gluten network formed by 00 flour makes it easy to work with, allowing for precise shaping and handling without tearing.
• Exceptional Crust: 00 flour produces a thin, crispy crust on baked goods, enhancing their overall texture and flavor.
• Versatile Applications: 00 flour is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a wide range of baking applications, including pizza crusts, pasta, bread, and pastries.
• Authentic Italian Taste: Using 00 flour in Italian recipes ensures authentic flavor and texture, as it is the traditional flour used in Italian cuisine.

How to Use 00 Flour Australia

• Pizza Crust: 00 flour is the ideal choice for creating thin, crispy pizza crusts with a chewy interior.
• Pasta: 00 flour is essential for making homemade pasta, as it provides the necessary strength and elasticity for rolling and shaping.
• Bread: 00 flour can be used in combination with other flours to create a variety of breads, including sourdough, focaccia, and ciabatta.
• Pastries: 00 flour adds a delicate and flaky texture to pastries, such as croissants, puff pastry, and Danish pastries.

Where to Buy 00 Flour in Australia

00 flour is widely available in Australia and can be found in most major supermarkets and specialty food stores. It is typically sold in 1kg or 2kg packages.

Substitutes for 00 Flour

In cases where 00 flour is not readily available, there are several suitable substitutes:

• Bread Flour: Bread flour has a high protein content and can provide similar gluten strength and elasticity to 00 flour.
• All-Purpose Flour: All-purpose flour is a blend of different flours and can be used as a substitute for 00 flour, although it may result in a slightly less elastic dough.
• Double Zero Flour: Double zero flour is an Italian flour similar to 00 flour but with a slightly finer texture.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the difference between 00 flour and plain flour?
A: 00 flour has a higher protein content and a finer texture than plain flour, resulting in dough with greater strength and elasticity.

Q: Can I use 00 flour for all baking purposes?
A: While 00 flour is particularly well-suited for pizza crusts, pasta, and pastries, it can also be used in other baking applications, such as bread and cookies.

Q: How do I store 00 flour?
A: 00 flour should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can be stored for up to 6 months.