Endosperm

Endosperm is the starchy material found inside the seeds of most plants. Endosperm comprises the bulk of cereal grains such as wheat and rye, and provides the germ - the embryo of a new plant - with a source of energy. The endosperm is the most important and largest fraction of flour milled from cereal grains; refined, white flours contain little else, the bran and germ having been extracted.

Endosperm is largely carbohydrate in the form of starch. It may also contain protein. Wheat endosperm contains the proteins glutenin and gliadin, which combine to form gluten when mixed with water.

Want to find out more? Look at the chapter on ingredients in the book flour and water.

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