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  • Today, most people buy the flour they use for baking at the grocery store. Much of the flour available in the supermarket contains additives and preservatives that the health-conscious baker may not want to ingest. But there was a time when getting flour for baking involved grinding grain with a mortar (bowl) and pestle (bat-shaped tool). If you make flour this way, you can control which ingredients to include.

    Preparation

    There are many varieties of grain to choose from, from common wheat to quinoa, but you should consider using a softer grain like buckwheat. Before you can grind the grain you must wash it to remove any dust or resin, which can cause a bitter flavor. Put the grain in a mesh strainer and run it under cool water, mixing the grain in the strainer by hand to be sure all the granules are washed. Roll the damp grain in a paper towel to absorb excess amounts of water, and then spread the grains on a dry baking sheet to air dry. Place the baking sheet in a warm dry area, or even place them in the oven at a low temperature such as 150 degrees until they are dry. Do not attempt to grind damp or soft seeds as this will only turn into a mushy mess.

    The Process

    Using a mortar and pestle to grind your grain into flour takes a lot of elbow grease and you can only grind a small amount of grain at a time, so be prepared for a pretty labor-intensive project. A mortar and pestle can be made from a variety of substances including hardwood, stone and porcelain, and the tougher the material the easier your task will be, so use the strongest mortar and pestle you can find. Pour the grain into the mortar, and use the pestle to grind the grains into the walls of the mortar, turning them into flour. You will need to use a combination of smashing and stirring to ensure that you grind all of the granules evenly. When the flour reaches your desired consistency, pour the flour into another container and grind the next batch of grain until you have enough flour for your needs.

    Source:

    Recipe Tips.com: Home Flour Millings

    Joy of Baking.com: Flour

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