The Wonders of Freshly Milled Flour

The truth about Freshly Milled Flour

In the world of baking, the quest for the perfect loaf, the flakiest pastry, or the most tender cookie often begins with a single, seemingly simple ingredient: flour. But not all flours are created equal. While commercially produced flour is convenient, freshly milled flour offers a world of difference, unlocking a depth of flavor and incredible nutritional value that elevates your baking to a whole new level. Yahweh God created these grains for our body on purpose. We need this whole food nutrition!

Today, I want to bring you into the captivating realm of freshly milled flour, exploring its unique characteristics, the benefits it offers, and how you can incorporate it into your baking routine.

I made these Chocolate Chips Muffins with 100% Freshly Milled Hard Red Wheat Berries. They are delicious! The recipe is from Felicia at Grains & Grit. The link for her recipe is further down below.

The Difference Freshly Milled Flour Makes

The most significant advantage of freshly milled flour lies in its unparalleled freshness and nutrition. Unlike commercially produced flour, which can sit in storage for years before reaching your kitchen, freshly milled flour retains its full nutritional profile and vibrant aroma. This freshness translates directly into the taste and texture of your baked goods, resulting in a richer, more nuanced flavor profile.

• Enhanced Flavor: Freshly milled flour boasts a more robust and complex flavor compared to its commercially processed counterpart. This is because the milling process preserves the natural oils and nutrients present in the grain, which contribute significantly to the taste.
• Improved Nutritional Value: During commercial flour production, flour loses valuable nutrients such as vitamins, fibre and antioxidants. Freshly milled flour retains these nutrients, offering a much more wholesome and nutritious baking experience.
• Superior Texture: The texture of baked goods made with freshly milled flour is often described as superior, with a more delicate crumb and a delightful mouthfeel.

Types of Grains for Fresh Milling

The possibilities when it comes to freshly milled flour are vast and exciting. You're not limited to just wheat! Experiment with various ORGANICLY GROWN grains to discover new flavor profiles.

• Wheat: The most common choice, offering various types like hard winter or spring wheat for bread, and soft varieties for cakes and pastries.
• Rye: Adds a distinctive tangy flavor and a denser texture to bread.
• Oats: Creates hearty and wholesome baked goods with a naturally sweet taste.
• Barley: Contributes a nutty and slightly sweet flavor.
• Spelt: A nutty and slightly sweet ancient grain, offering a unique flavor and higher nutritional value.
• Kamut: A type of wheat with a mild nutty flavor and a slightly sweet buttery taste, known for its high protein content.

Milling Your Own Flour: A Rewarding Experience

Milling your own flour is a rewarding and relatively straightforward process. While it might seem daunting at first, several home-milling options exist, ranging from hand-crank mills to electric models.

Choosing a Mill: The best mill for you depends on your needs and budget. Hand-crank mills are affordable and offer a hands-on experience (as well as a great workout!), while electric mills are more efficient and much faster and easier to use. Consider factors such as capacity, ease of use, and cleanup when making your decision.

I personally use the Nutrimill Classic impact grain mill. It’s wonderful and very easy to use! 

Storing Freshly Milled Flour: I mill my grains fresh just before I need them for a recipe. But if you must mill some ahead of time, then properly storing freshly milled flour is crucial to maintain its quality and prevent spoilage. Store it in an airtight container in your freezer. The shelf life is much shorter than commercially produced flour, so plan your baking accordingly.

Incorporating Freshly Milled Flour in Your Recipes

When using freshly milled flour in your old recipes, you might need to adjust the hydration slightly. Freshly milled flour tends to absorb more liquid than commercially produced flour. Start by adding a little less flour than your old recipe calls for, let the batter or dough rest for awhile to give the freshly milled flour to absorb the liquids, and if need be, gradually add a little more flour until you achieve the desired consistency.

Experiment and discover the unique flavors and textures that freshly milled flour can bring to your creations. Start with simple recipes like bread or muffins to master the techniques and then move to more challenging projects. The results will be well worth the effort.

I started my journey with this wonderful simple muffin recipe from Grains & Grit.

I recommend that you subscribe to her YouTube channel for more amazing recipes especially developed for freshly milled flours! 

Conclusion: Embrace the Freshness

Freshly milled flour is more than just an ingredient; it's an experience. The superior flavor, enhanced nutrition, and unique texture it offers elevate home baking to a new level. Embark on this culinary adventure, embrace the freshness, and discover the wonders of freshly milled flour. This is the nutrition that Yahweh God truly intended for our body!