All-purpose flour, also known as refined flour or simply flour, is made from wheat grains after removing the brown covering. It is then milled, refined and bleached. Maida is used extensively for making fast foods, baked goods such as pastries, bread, several varieties of sweets, and traditional flatbreads. It may also be used as a thickening agent. It is white and powdery unlike whole wheat flour which is creamish and grainy.
