The Secret Behind Lehi Roller Mills’ Legendary Turkey Flour

As a passionate home baker I’m always on the hunt for the perfect all-purpose flour. I’ve tried various brands over the years, but none compare to the legendary turkey flour from Lehi Roller Mills. This Utah-based company has been milling high-quality flours since 1906 but their turkey flour stands out from the rest. In this article, I’ll share why Lehi’s turkey flour has earned its stellar reputation and why it’s my go-to flour for all my baking projects.

A Little History

Lehi Roller Mills opened its doors in 1906, founded by a Welsh immigrant named Thomas R. Cutler. He brought his expertise in milling to Utah to take advantage of the state’s excellent wheat crops. The mill originally produced flour under the Pioneer brand but switched to the Turkey brand in the 1920s.

For over 100 years, Lehi Roller Mills has continued as a family-owned business, now run by the fourth generation of Cutlers. While the equipment and technology have modernized over the decades, Lehi still uses time-honored techniques like stone grinding to produce exceptional flours.

What Makes Turkey Flour Special?

So what exactly makes Lehi’s turkey flour so extraordinary? There are a few key factors that contribute to this flour’s superiority

Carefully Selected Wheat

It all starts with the wheat. Lehi only uses hard red winter wheat grown in Utah and surrounding states like Idaho and Montana. This wheat has lower moisture and higher protein than other varieties, which is ideal for bread flour. Lehi carefully controls the protein level of their flour, with the turkey bread flour testing between 11.5-12.75% protein. This higher protein content develops more gluten, resulting in chewy, structured breads.

Stone Ground

While many modern mills use steel roller mills, Lehi still uses traditional stone grinding. The wheat kernels are crushed between two slowly rotating granite millstones. The gentle grinding action of the stones keeps the wheat germ intact, retaining more nutrients. It also avoids overheating the flour, preserving its natural flavors.

Minimal Processing

In keeping with its old-fashioned techniques, Lehi does not bleach or over-process their flours. The turkey flour is left natural and unbleached. It’s simply milled, sifted, and packaged with minimal manipulation. This preserves the inherent flavors of the fresh-milled wheat.

Consistent Quality

One reason bakers love Lehi’s turkey flour is its consistent performance. Batches are carefully controlled so bakers get the same results every time. The turkey flour has a reliable protein range and granulation, so your breads and other baked goods come out perfectly.

Why I Love Turkey Flour for Baking

After doing some research on Lehi’s process, it made sense why their turkey flour produces such delicious baked goods. Here are some of the reasons it’s become my all-purpose flour of choice:

• Flavor – The flour has a sweet, nutty wheat taste. Baked goods have complex flavor without any bitterness.

• Versatility – With its higher protein content, I can use turkey flour for all kinds of baking. It makes wonderful sandwich bread, bagels, pizza dough, cinnamon rolls, and more.

• Texture – Breads baked with turkey flour have a moist, tender crumb yet a nice chew. They also get a lovely golden crust.

• Nutrition – Because it’s unbleached and stone ground, Lehi’s flour retains more nutrients than heavily processed flours.

• Reliability – No matter what I’m baking, the turkey flour delivers consistent results every time. It takes the guesswork out of baking.

• Local Ingredient – I love using a flour produced right here in Utah by a long-standing family business.

Best Ways to Use Turkey Flour

Lehi’s turkey flour truly shines when making yeasted baked goods. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy this premium flour:

• Hearty artisan breads – The higher protein gives great chew and structure to crusty boules, batards, and baguettes.

• Soft sandwich loaves – For squishy, satisfying sandwich bread, turkey flour can’t be beat. It makes a mean honey whole wheat bread too.

• Bagels and pretzels – These chewy baked goods need a strong flour, and turkey flour has the right amount of gluten.

• Pizza crust – With turkey flour, I can make a crispy, sturdy New York-style crust at home. The flavor is phenomenal.

• Dinner rolls – Parker House, cloverleaf, or crescent rolls make the perfect accompaniment for meals when made with turkey flour.

• Sweet breads – For cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes, and brioche, this flour provides just the right balance of tenderness and structure.

Where to Buy Lehi’s Turkey Flour

The best place to purchase Lehi Roller Mills’ acclaimed turkey flour is directly from their website at lehimills.com. They offer free shipping on orders over $69. You can buy it in convenient 25 lb and 37.5 lb bags.

Lehi’s products are also carried in many grocery retailers across Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, and Nevada. Check their store locator to find a seller near you.

You may spot the occasional 5 lb bag of turkey flour at specialty baking stores or natural grocers. But for the best price and selection, I recommend heading straight to the source.

If you live outside the Intermountain West region, Lehi’s online shop is the easiest way to get your hands on their exceptional flour. Trust me, it’s worth the shipping cost to use this premium ingredient in your baking!

Time to Give It a Try

As you can see, Lehi Roller Mills’ remarkable turkey flour is in a league of its own. From the way it’s milled to how it performs in recipes, this flour delivers on all counts. I hope after reading this article, you’re ready to ditch your old all-purpose flour and give Lehi’s turkey flour a try.

Your homemade breads, pizzas, rolls, and other treats will benefit immensely from this specially crafted flour. Once you experience the flavor, texture, and reliability that turkey flour brings, you may never bake with anything else again! It truly is the secret ingredient for phenomenal homemade baked goods.