All-purpose flour is a blend of hard and soft wheat; it may be bleached or unbleached. It is usually translated as “plain flour.” Flour that is bleached naturally as it ages is labeled “unbleached,” while chemically treated flour is labeled “bleached.” Bleached flour has less protein than unbleached. Bleached is best for pie crusts, cookies, quick breads, pancakes and waffles. Foods made of maida are not considered to be particularly healthy. Still, during festive days, especially in south India, maida is a common ingredient. Maida Flour is nothing but highly refined wheat flour.