Why Do Some Recipes Call For 00 Flour?
NEWS
By KYLE GRACE MILLS
00 flour is often used for pizza dough, pasta dough, and, occasionally, bread dough. The "00" refers to the size of the grind, which in this case is very finely ground.
Its protein levels can vary from 7% up to 14%. This combination of fine grind and higher protein makes 00 flour ideal for the delicate yet chewy elements of pasta and pizza dough.
Cake and pastry flour are both as finely ground as 00 flour, but they have a much lower protein level. Plus, some cake flours are bleached, while 00 flour is always unbleached.
All-purpose flour resembles 00 flour in terms of both texture and protein and is made from hard red and soft wheat. Since 00 flour is made from durum, it still behaves differently.
Because of these characteristics, 00 flour is most commonly associated with pasta and pizza, and any other foods that benefit from a toothsome bite that isn't too chewy.
