How to Extract Gluten From Wheat Flour

Objective

In this lab, students will learn how to extract gluten from wheat flour

Background

Gluten is a protein formed when two other proteins called gliadin and glutenin combine to form a network when water is added and the dough is mixed. The ability of gluten to stretch without easily breaking makes it an excellent flour for bakery goods. These products rely on the strength of gluten to stretch and hold their shape without collapsing during yeast fermentation and increasing gas pressure during baking. Some people are allergic to gluten and so should avoid all products that contain wheat and other grains that have gluten-forming proteins (barley, rye and triticale). In this lab you will get to develop and isolate gluten from wheat flour.

Materials

All-purpose or baking flour
Water
Kneading bowl
Strainer
Measuring cup

Cereal Grains Pattern Duffel Bag

$63.60 – $69.85

Select options
Cereal Grains Pattern Stainless Steel Travel Mug

$34.83

Select options
Cereal Grains Pattern Apron

$30.05

Select options

Method

Measure and transfer 4.5 cups of all-purpose or baking flour in a kneading bowl
Add 1.5 cups of water gradually and knead to form a dough. (Note: This amount of water is estimated for all-purpose flour. You may need a little more water for baking flour. If the dough feels too dry you may need to add a little more water. If it is too sticky you may need to add a little more flour to absorb the excess water)
Knead rigorously by hand for 10-15 minutes to develop the gluten in the dough (feel free to use a bread dough mixer if you have one). Signs of good dough development is when the surface of the dough appears smooth and it is able to stretch without easily breaking
Now that the dough is fully developed, it is time to remove the starch, leaving the gluten behind. You can do this by washing the dough using cold running water until the water is clear. See illustrations below.