Best off the shelf flour for "artisan" breads?

[kuan]

The price of flour is causing a pain in my side. I'm tired of paying almost a buck a pound for flour. Anyone have a good recommendation for not so expensive bread flour?

[KYHeirloomer]

A buck a pound? Where do you shop?

Check out Bread Flours

I buy bread flour from them in 25 lb bags, and everything else in appropriate sizes. But they're only a 40 minute drive from me, so shipping doesn't enter into it.

Until I "discovered" Weisenberger I bought all my flours off the shelf, choosing King Arthur whenever possible. Around here, KA runs something like $2.50 for a four pound bag. Still a long way from a buck per.

The only downside to Weisenberge is that they do not have organic flour. This could be a problem for some folks. Me, I'm overjoyed that they support the locovore movement by only buying grain from Kentucky growers, so can overlook the lack of organics.

[KYHeirloomer]

Kuan, unfortunately you can expect flour prices to go even higher, thanks to the new energy bill.

As corn prices increase, more and more farmers are converting. This has already produced a shortfall in wheat, and it's likely to get worse.

If you have the freezer space, I would suggest stocking up on a couple of hundred pounds of flour to see you through for awhile.

[foodnfoto]

I wouldn't expect the price of flour to decrease any time soon, Kuan. It's putting a pinch in everyone's budget-from bakers to ordinary citizens to aid workers who distribute food to the hungry around the world.

Matt Davies’ Blog

The reason behind it is many wheat farmers have moved to growing corn for the ethanol market. (See my other post with links about this issue) The stores of US wheat are at a historic low while wheat farmers are seeing prices for their product at an all time high. Meanwhile, they still receive government funded subsidy payments for their crop while enjoying huge profits.

This seems to contradict the spirit of the original laws providing subsidies and price protections for farmers. Now it only benefits large agribusiness. Meanwhile, consumers pay more for bread and other wheat staples.
Go figure.

[foodnfoto]

Me, I'm overjoyed that they support the locovore movement by only buying grain from Kentucky growers

"Locovore" -----I love that KY!

[kuan]

Originally Posted by KYHeirloomer

Until I "discovered" Weisenberger I bought all my flours off the shelf, choosing King Arthur whenever possible. Around here, KA runs something like $2.50 for a four pound bag. Still a long way from a buck per.

Sigh $4.80 today at Rainbow Foods.

[KYHeirloomer]

Even at their website The BakingCircle by King Arthur Flour King Arthur is almost a buck cheaper than that.

KA's store is notorious for high prices. And there's the shipping as well. So it would probably be a wash.

But check out the shipping from Weisenberger and see if that helps. At 40 cents/pound, even with ups charges it's likely to be cheaper than you're paying.

Both Weisenberger and King Arthur are roller mills, and that could have an effect on prices. Stone ground has gotten to be considerably higher. For instance, check out these prices at Nora Mills ...::: Welcome to the Nora Mill Online Catalog :::...

[KyleW]

Wheat prices have gone through the roof. In NYC a humble bagle now costs around $1!

[kokopuffs]

Just recently I noticed that the price of KA Organic All Purpose Flour at the local Kroger Supermarket skyrocket by $1.00 for a 5 pound bag.