The Refining Process and Texture
Bashundhara White Flour (Maida) is essentially a highly-refined wheat flour.
Production: It is made only from the endosperm of the wheat grain. The bran (fiber-rich) and the germ (nutrient-rich) are completely removed.
Color and Bleaching: Maida is naturally yellowish, but it is often bleached (either through atmospheric oxidation or chemical agents) to achieve the signature pure white color.
Texture: The fine milling and removal of the coarse components result in its distinctive fine, smooth, and silky texture. This quality is what makes it ideal for certain delicate recipes.
Culinary Applications
The properties of Maida—specifically its low fiber content and the nature of its gluten—make it excellent for producing light, soft, and fluffy results.
| Culinary Use | Examples of Dishes | Key Result |
| Baking | Cakes, Muffins, Biscuits, Cookies, Pastries | Soft, high-volume, and tender structure. |
| Leavened Flatbreads | Naan, Bhatura, Pizza Crust, Sheermal | Fluffy and chewy texture with good rise. |
| Deep-Fried Snacks | Luchi (Loochi), Puri (for a softer texture), Samosa, Singara (Shingara) | Crisp, flaky crusts and soft interiors. |
| Sweets & Desserts | Gulab Jamun, Maida Barfi, Jalebi | Delicate texture that holds shape well. |
| Thickening | Sauces, Gravies, Soups | Provides a smooth, lump-free thickening agent. |
Maida vs. Lal Atta (Nutritional Comparison)
The difference in processing leads to a significant difference in nutritional profiles
| Feature | Bashundhara White Flour (Maida) | Bashundhara Brown Flour (Lal Atta) |
| Grain Parts | Endosperm only | Whole grain (Bran, Germ, Endosperm) |
| Fiber Content | Very low (most removed) | High (bran is retained) |
| Vitamins & Minerals | Low (B-vitamins, Iron, Magnesium mostly lost) | High (retains B-vitamins, Iron, etc.) |
| Glycemic Index (GI) | High (causes rapid blood sugar spike) | Low (causes slow, steady energy release) |
| Resulting Texture | Light, soft, smooth, elastic (good for baking) | Denser, coarser, wholesome (good for daily roti/chapati) |
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