All About Milling Grains at Home
This page is packed with essential tips, practical advice, and step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the exciting path of milling grains at home. From picking a grain mill and the best grains for you and your family. This guide covers all the fundamental aspects of milling grains at home.
Start Milling Grains
Embark on a transformative journey of milling your own grains at home that allows you to experience the satisfaction of fresh, wholesome flour right from your kitchen.
Picking an at Home Grain Mill
The first step in milling grains is deciding what grain mill fits your needs best. Trying to do all the research right out of the gate may be overwhelming or even prevent you from starting. There are pros and cons to all grain mills but in short the two most common types of at home grains mills are stone and burr mills. We have been milling our own grains at home for about a year now and after thorough research we landed on a Mockmill 200.
Stone Mill
An at home stone grain mill is used to grind wheat berries and other grains using stone plates. The stones allow for regrinding resulting in finer flour.
Steel Burr Mill
An at home steel burr mill is a machine that grinds grains into flour using steel burrs, offering precise and adjustable texture. It does not allow for regrinding.
Price
The price of home grain mills can vary and can be expensive. Finding one that is within your needs and price range should be the first step.
Availability
Since milling grains at home has gained popularity common models are frequently out of stock. Preordering or getting on a waitlist may be required.
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Storing Wheat Berries and Grains
Storing wheat berries and grains properly is essential for maintaining their freshness, nutritional value, and longevity. To preserve grains for long-term storage, keep them in airtight containers in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. Using food-grade buckets or mylar bags with oxygen absorbers can extend shelf life. Whole grains like wheat berries retain nutrients longer than processed flour, making them a great choice for emergency preparedness or bulk storage. Proper storage prevents spoilage and keeps grains ready for milling into fresh flour whenever needed.
Buckets
Food grade buckets are a great option for storing wheat berries and other grains. You can store large quantities in buckets while it also being economical.
Mylar Bags
Mylar bags are best for storing grains for long term storage. There are better economical options for storing grains for short term storage.
Cool & Dry
Storing grains in proper conditions is important to prevent waste. All grains and wheat berries require cool dry conditions when being stored.
Sunlight
Sunlight is the enemy when it comes to storing any and all food. Preventing grains from being exposed to sunlight will ensure optimal storage.
Picking Wheat Berries
Picking wheat berries involves selecting high-quality, whole grains that are harvested from wheat plants. Look for wheat berries that are firm, dry, and free from mold or discoloration. Hard red, hard white, and soft white wheat berries are the most common types, each offering unique flavors and textures for milling into flour. For optimal freshness and quality, choose wheat berries from trusted sources or local farmers.
Hard Wheat
Whether using hard red or hard white wheat berries they are best in yeast recipes. They develop gluten strands that are needed for breads and rolls.
Soft Wheat
Soft white or soft red wheat berries are best in recipes that require baking powder or baking soda. This is the fresh milled version of pastry flour.
Einkorn
Einkorn is an ancient grain that can be used in any application calling for flour. It has a deep nutty flavor that pairs perfectly in cookies and brownies.
Spelt
Spelt is an ancient grain that has a subtle sweet and nutty flavor. It can be used in any application calling for flour. It is great for breads and rolls.
Use Fresh Milled Wheat in Recipes
Learning to use fresh-milled wheat in recipes enhances the flavor, nutrition, and texture of your baked goods. Freshly milled wheat flour retains more vitamins, minerals, and fiber compared to store-bought flour, offering a wholesome and flavorful alternative. When using fresh-milled wheat, it’s important to adjust hydration levels and baking times, as it absorbs moisture differently than refined flour. Incorporating fresh wheat flour into recipes like bread, pizza dough, and pancakes not only adds depth but also boosts the health benefits of your meals. Discover the difference fresh-milled flour can make in your everyday cooking and baking.
