How is self-raising flour made?

Here's a breakdown of the process:

1. Plain Flour: The base ingredient is plain flour, which is finely ground wheat.

2. Leavening Agent: Baking powder is the most common leavening agent used in self-raising flour. It is a mixture of sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), an acidic ingredient (like cream of tartar), and a drying agent (like cornstarch). When mixed with liquid, the acidic and alkaline components react to release carbon dioxide gas, which causes the dough to rise.

3. Salt: A small amount of salt is often added to enhance the flavor and balance the sweetness of the baking powder.

4. Mixing: The plain flour, baking powder, and salt are thoroughly mixed together in a specific proportion, depending on the desired raising power of the flour.

The exact proportions of ingredients can vary depending on the brand, but generally, self-raising flour consists of:

* Plain Flour: 99%

* Baking Powder: 1%

* Salt: A small amount

Note: Self-raising flour is not the same as all-purpose flour. All-purpose flour is just plain flour with no added leavening agents. Self-raising flour is specifically formulated for baking without the need to add additional baking powder.