Submitted by ppschaffer on December 28, 2011 - 3:09pm

How to mill and sift to produce specific wheat flours?

For all you home milling experts out there: Hundreds of years ago, before there were sifting screens and the like, presumably millers of wheat kernels used a flour consisting of 100% whole wheat: that is, the endosperm, bran and germ.  Fast-forward to modern times: Questions: (1) How does the home miller properly sift out the germ and bran and leave the (white) endosperm (flour) behind?  (2)  How to sift, for example, 100% whole wheat to yield a clear or first clear flour?  (3)  How to sift out of bran from the germ?  Any ideas?

Submitted by curvesarein on November 5, 2010 - 10:21am

How to calculate the percentage of protein in #50 of grain ?


I have seen organic companies that say 14% protein content, others 12%, but how do you figure that? I currently found an organic wheat with no pesticide use or genetically altered, but it says 6 grams of protein for 1/4 cup.

Submitted by mizrachi on July 21, 2009 - 10:54am

Home Milling Confusion!

I'm just getting started in milling my own grains and I wanted to be certain I know what I'm doing.  I've read some conflicting reports from all over the web and I have a few basic questions that I'm still unclear about. 

Any help is of course appreciated.

1. Is it recommended that I freeze my whole grains before using or storing?  How long should I do this?  I've read that a 48 hour freeze will kill the eggs of any critters that may be in there but I've also read that it's not much of an issue. 

2. What is the best grain storage solution?  Is it best to simply leave the grains in the freezer or in glass canisters or in food-safe buckets with gamma lids?  I've also read not to store my grains on a concrete floor and that I should put a few bay leafs in with the grain.  Obviously, I'm a bit confused here.

3. Should I sift my grains before milling?  Are stones and other seeds common enough to be a concern?  If so, what is the appropriate sized sifter and where can I find one?

4. Once I mill my grains is it recommended that I use the flour immediately as instinct suggests or, as I've read here and there, that I should wait for some period, aging the flour to some degree?  I've also read that some grains should be soaked before milling.  Another confusing issue.

5. Are there any other hints that the home miller should be made aware of?