All About Wheat
WHEAT: THE BASICS
Wheat flours are produced by milling wheat kernels.
Wheat kernels are comprised of three basic parts: germ (the embryo), bran (the kernel shell), and endosperm.
Wheat germ and wheat bran are high in natural oils, nutrients, fiber, and minerals. They also contain protein.
The endosperm consists primarily of protein and starch molecules.
All-purpose flours and refined flours (Maida) are produced exclusively from the milling and grinding of the endosperm. The germ and bran are removed from these flours. Stone-ground flours (Chakki Atta) are the exception to the rule, as they contain wheat germ and bran in the final product.