Grinding Grains

[Kasey'sMom]

I'm starting to get interested in buying my grains in bulk and grinding them myself. Do any of you grinding your own grains and what do you use to grind with?

Thanks

[grantschoep]

Buying grains in bulk can be a bad idea. Big chance of cross contamination where people can use the wrong scoop. I've never tried it, I'm too afraid.

[Kasey'sMom]

Thanks for the information. I went to a store one day and they had grains in the bins as well. I felt that I had been contaminated just by walking by them. There was even flour on the floor!

Since that time I ran into a woman at Kroger who runs a co-op in our area. I've been buying all my grains from the co-op in larger quanities. Mostly I've been buying Bob's Red Mill, Gluten Free Pantry Mixs etc. I've saved a lot of money especially If I can find people to split cases with me. The group purchases through UNIF. I've just been putting the pre-packaged bags flour in my freezer. I geuss I'm buying in bulk anyway, even though it's only 4/22oz bags.

They other day I bought a case of Arrowhead Mills, amaranth flour and it was much cheaper than the health food store. However, the group leader suggested that I purchase the whole grain amaranth from Arrowhead Mills because it is much cheaper. Do you think the whole grain pre-packaged at the manufacture would be fine?

I think she said she uses a Vita-Mix but I looked at their website and they're $$$

[tarnalberry]

I think that buying large quantities of the whole grain from the manufacturer would be fine. The bulk bins can be tricky, but if you can find any that have the grains you want in the tall, silo styles, where you don't use a scoop but let it "fall" down into your bag, and you know that the store has had that grain in that section for years, that should be fine too.

Most of the people I've heard about grinding their own flours (in larger quantities than a half cup here and there) are most happy with a WhisperMill. I understand they are also expensive, but this type of product, to get a good one, is going to be. :-/

[nettiebeads]

  Kasey said:

I'm starting to get interested in buying my grains in bulk and grinding them myself. Do any of you grinding your own grains and what do you use to grind with?

Thanks

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My husband uses an electric coffee bean grinder. Real cheap (got it at an auction)

[kactuskandee]

I use a Vita Mix..............have for years..I'm on my second one..and not because the first one gave out, but because I'd had it for 8 years and my warranty ran out after 7.............but the warranty is something to behold............I've done stupid things that were my fault..and even told them so, and it was still covered..the company is awesome...BUT you have to be careful..only buy direct from the manufacturer or you won't get a long warranty...if you buy it from, say, Costco it is a little cheaper, not much, but not as long a warranty....

I know they are EXPENSIVE but if you divide the cost by the years service you can get out of it, it's not that much. It's pretty hard to find something with that much power that will do that many things. I even make soft serve ice cream in mine.

I use mind daily--for smoothies/soups/puree's/etc..............but the dry container only for grinding grains and beans for bean flour.

But I don't know why you couldn't use a small coffee bean grinder..you just have to do smaller batches at a time. I grind whole spices that way.

Kandee

[Kasey'sMom]

Thanks everyone. I may put the grain grinder on my wish list! I did purchase a grinder for my spice. I'll use that coffe ginder until I can get the grain mill.

My friend has an old vita mix and she was telling me about soaking grains. I think the name she mentioned was Sue Gregor?

[cdford]

I have used a WhisperMill for years (before and after gluten-free...just different machines). I buy bulk from a reputable vendor and not from a store where I have to dig in the bins. I keep a coffee/spice grinder around for stuff like flax that is oily and would gum up a large grain mill. I have not only not had problems, but have had great success. I recommend it to anyone considering milling their own grains.

By the way, bulk grains will last for extended periods of time if you go ahead and purchase the buckets and quality lids. Also, some grains such as tapioca do not lend themselves to home milling. I mill brown rice, amaranth, teff, and beans. I purchase already milled the tapioca and potato starch.