Grain Mills and Freshly Milled Flour

Everything you need to know!

Freshly milled flour is a wonderful way to enhance the taste and nutritional value of your baked goods. Grinding your own grains at home can seem daunting at first. With the right equipment and a bit of practice, it can be a rewarding experience. It leads to delicious and nutritious results.

One of the main benefits of milling your own flour is the freshness factor. When you grind your own grains, you are creating flour that is as fresh as it can possibly be. This is because most store-bought flours have been sitting on a shelf for months or even years. It leads to a loss of flavor and nutrition. By milling your own flour, you are ensuring that your baked goods are made with the freshest ingredients possible.

Freshly milled flour also has a higher nutritional value than store-bought flour. This is because the bran and germ are still intact. It contain important vitamins, minerals, and fiber that are often lost during the milling process for commercial flours. Additionally, freshly milled flour is free from additives, preservatives, and other chemicals that can be found in store-bought flour.

Why Should You Grind Your Own Grains at Home?

Grinding your own grains at home may sound like a time-consuming and complicated process. However, the benefits of doing so make it well worth the effort. Today we will dive into the reasons why you should consider grinding your own grains at home. We will also talk about the many advantages of using freshly milled flour.

The Health Benefits of Freshly Milled Flour

The health benefits of using freshly milled flour are numerous and significant. When grains are milled, they start to lose their nutritional value immediately. This is because the oils in the grains are exposed to oxygen, which causes them to become rancid within hours. Additionally, many commercially available flours are treated with chemicals to extend their shelf life, which further degrades their nutritional value.

So how does white/all-purpose flour last so long?

White flour is made from wheat berries, which are the kernels of wheat plants. The wheat berries are first cleaned and sorted to remove any debris and foreign materials. They are then ground into flour using a process called roller milling.

During roller milling, the wheat berries are crushed between steel rollers to separate the bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran and germ are the outer layers of the wheat kernel, which contain fiber, vitamins, and minerals. The endosperm is the starchy inner layer, which is used to make white flour.

The endosperm is ground into a fine powder, which is then bleached with chemicals to remove any impurities. This is what gives it a bright white color. Finally, the flour is enriched with vitamins and minerals. This is to replace some of the nutrients that were lost during the milling process.

While white flour may look pristine and pure,

The process of making it strips away many of the essential nutrients that our bodies need to stay healthy. During roller milling, the bran and germ are removed from the wheat kernel. This which contains the majority of the fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

Fiber is an important nutrient that helps to regulate our digestive system. It prevent chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes. Vitamins and minerals are also essential for overall health. They play a critical role in everything from immune function to bone health.

By removing these essential nutrients, white flour becomes a highly refined and processed food. It that lacks the nutritional value of whole grains. This can lead to a range of health problems, including constipation, weight gain, and nutrient deficiencies.

As much as it is delicious and easy to bake with at the end of the day, white flour just doesn’t hold a candle to old school wheat.

The Benefits of Whole Grains

Whole grains, on the other hand, are packed with essential nutrients and offer a wide range of health benefits. Unlike white flour, whole grains contain all three parts of the wheat kernel: the bran, germ, and endosperm. This means that they are high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can help to reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Some of the key nutrients found in whole grains include B vitamins, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, and zinc. These nutrients are essential for a wide range of bodily functions, from energy metabolism to immune function and bone health.

In addition to their nutritional benefits, whole grains are also a great source of complex carbohydrates. They provide sustained energy throughout the day. This can help to reduce cravings and improve overall energy levels. This makes it easier to maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

By grinding your own grains at home, you can ensure that your flour is fresh and free from harmful chemicals. Freshly milled flour contains all the nutrients that are lost in commercially milled flour, including fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. This can lead to improved digestive health, increased energy levels, and even weight loss.

Freshly milled flour is also more flavorful than commercially milled flour. When grains are milled, the oils in the grains are released, which gives the flour a nuttier and more complex flavor profile. This added flavor can enhance the taste of your baked goods and make them even more enjoyable to eat.

Grinding your own grains has several potential benefits, including:

1. Freshness. When you grind your own grains, you can be sure that the flour or meal is fresh, as it has not been sitting on a store shelf for an extended period of time. Freshly ground grains retain their natural oils and nutrients, which can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your baked goods or meals.
2. Customization. Grinding your own grains allows you to customize the coarseness or fineness of the flour or meal, which can affect the texture and consistency of your baked goods or meals. For example, you can grind grains more finely for pastries or more coarsely for bread.
3. Cost savings. Buying whole grains in bulk and grinding them yourself can be more cost-effective than buying pre-ground flour or meal, especially if you bake or cook frequently.
4. Control over ingredients. Grinding your own grains gives you more control over the ingredients you use in your baking or cooking. You can ensure that your flour or meal is free from additives, preservatives, and other unwanted ingredients.
5. Sustainability. By grinding your own grains, you can reduce packaging waste and the carbon footprint associated with shipping and storing pre-ground flour or meal.

Which Grain Mill to Choose

If you have decided to start grinding your own grains at home, you will need to choose the right grain mill for your needs. There are two main types of grain mills available: stone mills and steel mills.

Stone mills are typically made from granite, which is a hard and durable material that can withstand the rigors of grinding. They use two large stones to crush the grains, which results in flour. Stone mills can grind more variety such as beans and legumes. Also, stone mills can remill flour if you want finer flour.

Steel grain mills are also wonderful grain mills. They are a popular alternative to stone grain mills, which use large, heavy stones to crush grains. Steel mills, on the other hand, use a system of steel rollers to crush grains and produce a fine, consistent flour. they are typically more affordable and easier to find than stone mills, which can be costly and difficult to source.

One potential downside of steel mills is that they can generate more heat than stone mills during the grinding process. This can affect the quality of the flour and potentially damage some of the nutrients in the grain. However, some steel mills are designed with cooling mechanisms to mitigate this issue and produce high-quality flour.

Steel VS Stone Grain Mill

1. Grinding method: Stone mills grind grains by crushing them between two stones, while steel mills use sharp, metal blades to cut and grind the grains. Stone mills can produce a finer grind, while steel mills may produce a coarser grind.
2. Heat generation: Stone mills generate less heat during the grinding process, which can help to preserve the natural oils and nutrients in the grains. Steel mills may generate more heat, which can cause the grains to lose some of their nutritional value.
3. Maintenance: Stone mills require more maintenance than steel mills, as the stones can become clogged or worn over time. Steel mills may require less maintenance, as the blades can be sharpened or replaced as needed.
4. Cost: Stone mills can be more expensive than steel mills, as they are often handcrafted and made from natural materials. Steel mills may be more affordable, especially if you opt for a basic model without many additional features.
5. Capacity: Stone mills typically have a smaller capacity than steel mills, which means that you may need to grind your grains in batches. Steel mills may have a larger capacity, which can be helpful if you are grinding large quantities of grains.

Overall, both stone and steel mills can be effective for grinding grains, and the choice ultimately depends on your personal preference and the specific needs of your baking or cooking routine.

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Where can you find Wheat Berries?

if you’re interested in grinding your own grains, you may be wondering where to buy wheat berries or other whole grains. Many health food stores and specialty markets carry a variety of whole grains, and there are also online retailers that specialize in selling grains for home milling.

The best way to buy wheat berries is to research local grain mills in your province or state. Next you want to consider buying large amounts in bulk. When stored properly wheat berries last for up to 30 years.

Why Buy Whole Grains in Bulk?

• Cost Savings: One of the main benefits of buying wheat berries in bulk is the cost savings. When you buy in bulk, you can often get a better price per pound than you would if you were to buy smaller quantities. This can be especially true if you buy directly from a farm or from a bulk foods store that specializes in selling grains.
• Fresher Product: Buying wheat berries in bulk also means that you are likely getting a fresher product. Because you are buying in larger quantities, you may be able to get grains that were harvested more recently, which can lead to a fresher and more flavorful end product.

More reasons to buy in bulk..

• Convenience: If you bake or cook with wheat berries frequently, buying in bulk can be more convenient than buying smaller quantities. You won’t have to worry about running out of wheat berries as often, and you may be able to save time by buying in larger quantities and storing the grains in a cool, dry place for future use.
• Health Benefits: Wheat berries are a nutritious food that are rich in fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. By buying in bulk and incorporating more whole grains into your diet, you may be able to improve your overall health and reduce your risk of chronic diseases.
• Sustainability: Finally, buying in bulk can be a more sustainable choice. When you buy in smaller quantities, you may be contributing to more packaging waste and transportation emissions. By buying in bulk and storing your grains properly, you can reduce your environmental impact and support sustainable farming practices.

Buying wheat berries in bulk can be a smart choice for both your wallet and your health. By purchasing grains in larger quantities, you can save money, enjoy fresher products, and reap the many health benefits of whole grains. Additionally, buying in bulk can be a more sustainable choice that supports local farmers and reduces packaging waste.

Fresh milled flour recipes HERE

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