September 17, 2019 - 8:21am
Advice for Getting Bulk Flour in DC
If you live in Washington, DC, do you know where I can buy a 50lb sack of unbleached AP flour?
I'm mainly baking sourdough breads, but also use it for cakes, cookies, muffins, etc.
I'm looking for somewhere metro accessible, and I don't have a Costco or Sam's club membership.
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Hi, I'm not that far from you - in Columbia, MD and until a few months ago I worked at the tip-top of DC.
I don't know about bulk flour, but I did find some info about bulk grains through Takoma Park. I think there are several farms that deliver to their farmer's market and that is pretty close to the metro. I don't have any names for you, but that's a start. Google might be your friend.
When I was actively homebrewing, I struck up a conversation with the brewer at a small craft brewery, and he was quite willing to sell me 50lb sacks of grain at his wholesale cost. I've never tried this with a bakery, but could be worth a shot, especially if there are any small, artisan bakeries where you could find a kindred bread-making spirit or two? If they aren't willing to (or can't) sell you some of their stock, they may have some leads for you on where to find a commercial supplier who will sell to private parties (there's something similar near me, and they will sell me any of their commercial sacks of flour or grain on a will-call pickup basis.) Maybe somewhere like George R Ruhl & Sons in Hanover, MD?
Good luck!
Rich
You can but bulk whole (unground) grains at Mom’s organic market around DC. I understand they will also work with you in special bulk orders from their suppliers if you talk to them they might be able to do something for you or provide a bulk order of AP.
It’a not close, but down toward Charlottesville there is a place called Yoder’s Country Market that sells bulk stuff, including whole grains. They may have bulk AP flour, but I’m not sure.
You might also try a restaurant supply store, or finding someone who works in the restaurant supply business (Sysco foods or the like). They might be able to sell you something as a favor.
I also know you said Costco is out, but they were recently selling 25lbs bags of KAF AP.