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Grinding grains at home is a great way to ensure you get fresh, high-quality flour of the right thickness for your baking needs, giving you control over the type of grain and the fineness you want. This article will discuss the various ways to grind grains at home and the equipment you need to get started.
Ground grains at home are different from purchased commercial flour and have higher nutritional value. Grains are made up of three basic parts: the outer shell (bran), the food supply (endosperm), and the embryo (germ). After processing grains, commercial flour typically removes the bran and germ to produce a pure white, fluffy product that results in baked products that are light in texture and light in color. At the same time, since it removes 75% of the nutrients per unit grain, flour loses most of its nutritional value and dietary fiber, so it is not beneficial to our health.
Grinding flour at home gives us control over the type of grain, the fineness of the flour and the grinding method, and results in flours and baked products with higher nutritional value.
Here are 5 benefits of self-milling flour that may help you decide whether self-milling flour is right for you.
The nutritional value of wheat does not change until it is ground into flour. Once you break open the wheat berries, the nutrients are exposed, so the longer you let the flour sit, the longer the nutrients will be lost.
Wheat berries are at their peak nutritional value when whole, but once you break them into pieces, their nutritional value slowly decreases. Therefore, using freshly ground flour means you are using the wheat with the highest nutritional value. This is one of the reasons why flour tastes so good!
Purchasing grains may be cheaper than purchasing the same amount of flour, especially if purchased in bulk. So, grinding your own grain can save you a lot of money in the long run. Of course, this also depends on the availability of flour in your area, so it's important to do some research before deciding which product to buy.
One of the benefits of grinding your own grains is that it allows you to try more options, such as gluten-free grains like dried lentils, dried beans, or grinding other flours that are hard to find in stores.
You can also try milling different flours from the same grain to add different textures to your baked bread. For example, adding a handful of coarser-textured flour to a wheat bread made with finely ground flour gives your bread a slightly gritty, chewy texture.
Bread made from freshly ground flour tastes great. Because the flour is fresh and rich in nutrients, the taste will be different. You'll taste the full flavor of the wheat, resulting in a more complex bread flavor than premium organic flour.
When comparing bread made with whole wheat flour, we can tell that because the healthy fats in the grain haven't had a chance to become bitter over time. As a result, the baked bread is sweeter and lighter without the bitter taste of whole wheat flour.
While store-bought flour expires in about half a year, white flour will last up to a year. But whole grain berries can be stored indefinitely as long as they are stored in a cool, dry place. This is one of the reasons why buying grains in bulk can save you money, you only have to grind the amount you need when you need it, and the rest can be stored for a long time.
Usually the first way we can grind grains at home is with a hand crank grist mill. This grinding mill is the most affordable and easy-to-use household equipment. A hand grist mill, usually made of stone or cast iron, grinds grain manually by turning a crank. This manual method can be tiring, but it's a great option for small-scale milling.
The second method is to use an electric grain mill, which is more expensive than a hand-crank mill, but is also more efficient and convenient. They use motors to rotate millstones to grind grains into flour. Electric grain mills come in many types and sizes, and some can even adjust the fineness of the flour, so it's important to consider spinning the best electric mill for your kitchen.
An alternative is to use a grain roller mill, which can grind larger quantities of grain. Grain roller mills use two rollers that rotate in opposite directions to crush grain. It is more efficient than a manual or electric mill and can handle larger quantities of grains. However, grain roller mills are more expensive and generally not recommended for home use.
No matter which method you choose to grind grain, you must ensure that the equipment is clean and in good working order. Before you start grinding, clean the equipment of any dust or debris. This will ensure the flour is free of contaminants and will also extend the life of your equipment.
There are many different types of grains you can grind at home, and the options are endless. Some popular choices include wheat, barley, oats, and corn. Each grain has its own unique flavor and texture, so it's worth experimenting to find one you like.
When choosing the type of grain to grind, it's a good idea to buy it in bulk. Buying in bulk can save you money in the long run and ensure you always have fresh grains on hand. When storing grains, keep them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from spoiling.
When grinding grains, you must start with small amounts and gradually increase the amount as you become more familiar with the grinding process. This avoids waste and helps you adjust your mill settings to achieve the desired flour fineness.
All in all, milling grains at home is a great way to ensure you're getting fresh, high-quality flour for your baking needs. It also lets you control the type of grain and how fine you want it. There are many ways to grind grain at home, including using a hand-cranked grain mill, an electric grain mill, or a grain roller mill. Whichever method you choose, make sure your equipment is clean and in good working order. Try using different types of grains, starting small and gradually increasing the amount as you become more comfortable with the process. Have fun grinding!
