Getting Started Milling
Whole Grains, Corn & Beans
Getting started milling whole grains, corn & beans is easy!
Follow these simple steps
It's Simple to Make the Switch
Step 1: You will need a Grain Mill
Getting started milling whole grains, corn and beans starts with having a home grain mill – it mills whole grains, corn and beans into beautiful, fresh, full of nutrition flour in the comfort of your own kitchen whenever you need it. Simply pour your grains, corn or beans into the hopper, choose how fine or coarse you desire, and voila – fresh flour! Can’t get any easier or nutritious than that!
After much research and experience, I chose NutriMill Grain Mills
Their family of mills are work-horse durable and super easy to use
Click the links below to choose the mill that’s best for you:
NutriMill Classic – Simple One-Unit Design
NutriMill Harvest – Beautiful & Convenient
Step 2: You will need some Grain
Whole grains, especially wheat, can go by many different names: whole grains, wheat berries, wheat kernels, wheat seeds. There are also many different grains: hard wheat, soft wheat, spelt rye, Kamute, oat groats, millet, amaranth, barley, buckwheat and corn just to name a few. In another post we will discuss the different grains as well as gluten free grains, but for now let’s work on the basics to get you started milling whole grains.
Where to buy whole grains:
Usually a food co-op is the most budget friendly source. Depending on where you live, some health food stores have in stock the wheat berries or you may even live near a grain distributor, lucky you. And of course, online, but many times the shipping can be pricy.
One such co-op: AzureStandard.com. Azure Standard offers drops all over the country. Simply give them a call, tell them your zip code and they’ll connect you with the closest drop to you or click here.
Amazon is of course another option. I recommend, however, to only order organic whole grains if possible.
Please read through my Buying & Storing Grains, Corn & Beans page for complete details.
I recommend starting with Hard White Wheat and Hard Red Wheats.
- Hard White Wheat has a mild flavor, similar to store-bought white bread. I like to use HW when making flavored breads: garlic bread, cinnamon rolls, etc.
- Hard Red Wheat has a nutty, heartier flavor; more of a “wheat” bread taste.
- For my loaf bread and English muffins, I use half & half of Hard White and Hard Red wheat.
- Expirement with both to find what you and your family prefer.
- Then venture out to the other grains.
Step 3: Other Getting Started Items
Storage items:
- Food Grade Bucket/Pail – You will need something air and moisture tight to store your grain.
- Gamma Lid – Gamma Lids are a special type of ring and screw type lid with rubber seals which fit on the buckets/pails. This type of lid allows you to access your grain easily.
Please read through my Buying & Storing Grains, Corn & Beans page for complete details.
To make yeast breads you will need:
- Yeast – Instant yeast or dry active yeast
Instant Yeast: My preference is instant yeast because you don’t have to proof it first. (You know, mix it with warm water and a little sugar and wait for it to bubble.) Instant yeast you just throw it in and get to mixing. I like simple.
Dry active yeast requires proofing first to see if it is still active and usually needs two rises. However, dry active yeast infuses more yeasty flavor due to the longer rising times.
- Salt – Real Salt Sea Salt, Pink Himilain Salt, or Celtic Sea Salt. You want totally unprocessed salt which still contains all its trace minerals and nutritional components.
- Sweetener – Not much is needed, but a sugar-type sweetener is needed to activate the yeast. Raw honey, Sucanat, raw sugar (dehydrated cane juice) are the best choices.
- Oil – Preferred: Extra Virgin Olive oil or Coconut oil (virgin or expeller-pressed).
- Gluten – Wheat naturally contains gluten, but sometimes you need a little help. Gluten is the stretchy stuff that helps the bread rise. It is totally optional, but in a humid environment it can come in handy. We are only talking a teaspoon per four cups of flour, not tons like they put in commercial products. No wonder we have a ‘gluten’ problem!
- Bread Pan – I like the 9″ x 5″ USA silicone covered pans. Stone, glass or stainless steel are great too.
More detailed information may be found on:
Buying & Storing Grains & Beans
Ingredients
Step 4: A Mixer with a Dough Hook
Once you have your grain mill and grain, the next step is considering a stand mixer. Now, you don’t have to have a mixer, but it sure does make life easier. My favorite is the Bosch Universal Plus Mixer.
Bosch Universal Plus Mixer is the only way to go!
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the mixer! It does everything but walk your dog!
- 6.5 Quart Capacity Bowl – (6 loaf recipe at one time) Talk about a time saver!
- Dual Drives for Attachments
- One Appliance – Many Attachments Available – means less clutter
- Comes with: Dough Hook – replicates hand kneading, Dough Hook Extender – for small recipes & French Whips – for whipping egg whites & cream, shredding chicken & pork
- 800 Watt Motor & 4 Speeds – means mega power & torque to knead whole wheat dough with ease
- Suction Cup Feet – mixer stays put while mixing & kneading
- Light Weight – tough machine, yet easy to move around
- Splash Ring & Cover included – splash-proof mixing & rising dough
- Dishwasher Safe
Did I say how much I LOVE this machine?
Well, it is a GREAT mixer!!! I’ve had others and this one runs circles around them all.
With the Bosch Universal Plus Mixer and one batch of dough you can make:
- 2 Bread Loaves
- Dinner Rolls
- Cinnamon Rolls
- Pizza Rolls
Can you say TIME SAVER!
All from the same recipe
AT THE SAME TIME!
You know what that means?
It means you are only cooking once!
Don’t you love that?!
Step 5: Take a deep breath and get started
It really is easy. YOU CAN DO IT!
Milling whole grains is not only nutritious, but it’s FUN!
So, get the whole family involved.
Make the life changing decision today to make all your baked goods at home by milling whole grains, corn and beans. You will be so glad you made the switch.
I’M READY
LET’S DO THIS THING
Enter code: HEALTHYHOME
at checkout for more possible savings!
