Hi Everybody,

I'm based in the UK and one of our big supermarket chains is called Tesco... I always buy the best premium flour they have which is usually Allison's extra strength bread flour or Hovis Super Strength premium bread flour.  These make an adequate loaf, which is tasty (as tasty as any in the shop!!) and has a good texture.  I'm really just talking wholemeal bread flour and white bread flour.

Two days ago I broke my rule!!!!!!

Tesco had sold out of the premium flours and I had to buy Tesco own brand strong wholemeal flour.  It felt gritty and didn't bind properly... the loaf is crumbly so has to be cut thick and has a very poor texture.  The taste lacks any subtlety or nuttiness and is only really fit for toast with lots of butter and jam.  My poor waist!!!

I'd be really interested what your favorite flour is for wholemeal and white bread (with your country as this is a worldwide site and the flours may not be available in all countries), whether you can get that in general stores or only specialist ones, whether you can or do buy in bulk and any storage difficulties.  I know there are loads of specialist flours but I'm really focusing on what the ordinary home baker might use.

Let's share the love on flour!!!!