What is hard red winter wheat primarily used for?

Hard red winter wheat is primarily used for bread production due to its high protein content and good gluten-forming ability. The strong gluten network that develops during the bread-making process allows for the necessary elasticity and structure in the dough, which is essential for producing quality bread that rises properly.

This variety of wheat is particularly valued in baking because it can absorb a lot of water while maintaining its integrity, which is key for achieving the desired texture and crumb in bread products. The wheat is also versatile enough to be used in a variety of bread types, including whole wheat and artisan breads.

While hard red winter wheat may have some use in other products, such as certain types of cereals or snacks, its primary market remains in bread-making. Other options, such as pasta, typically use different wheat varieties, particularly durum wheat, which has different characteristics suited for pasta’s unique texture and cooking properties.