What is atta made of? - #10434

Ah, atta! Such an unsung hero of Indian kitchens, right? At its core, when we talk about traditional atta, we're refering primarily to whole wheat flour. It's ground from the entire wheat kernel, which means it includes the bran, germ, and endosperm – giving it that distinctive earthy flavor and brownish hue. But, as you've noticed, atta has evolved quite a bit! Let's start with the basics. The typical atta used for our beloved rotis and parathas is indeed whole wheat. Now, whole wheat atta usually retains most of the fiber because the grinding process involves the whole wheat grain. Depending on the method (like stone-ground vs. industrial rollers), some nutrients can be preserved more. Stone-ground atta often drags a bit more fiber due to a coarser texture, plus the process retains more heat-sensitive vitamins and minerals, compared to roller milled ones. Now about those "multigrain" attas! Some brands add a mix of grains like jowar (sorghum), bajra (pearl millet), and even ragi (finger millet) to the base – each adding its nutritional hallmark. This can varie a lot from one brand to another, and that contributes to the different tastes you experience. Multigrain versions can be denser in fiber and might pinch hit for digestion or weight control. As for refined flour, traditional atta usually excludes it. Refined or "maida" flour comes from only the endosperm of wheat and lacks the bran and germ, thus fewer nutrients and fiber. In terms of health needs and gluten sensitifities, there are gluten-free versions out there - often they are based on rice, gram, or millet flours but they won’t mimic the exact texture or flavor of wheat atta. About storing atta, certainly keep it in an airtight container. Airtight keeps moisture, pests, and mold at bay. Some folks like refrigerating it, especially in warm climates, to extend shelf-life and preserve oils within the flour. Hope that cleared up atta for you! It's a beautiful thing, how such a staple can carry warmth and heritage while also posing all these curious questions.