A few years ago, I wrote a post about grinding wheat (in my first ever blog video – please ignore the less than ideal set up). If you’ve never milled your own wheat or even heard of it, I promise it’s not as crazy as it sounds! It’s actually fairly simple (kind of like grinding your own coffee), and it also has so many benefits including, in my opinion, flour with a much better taste.
One thing that I can honestly say about my last mill is that while I loved the functionality of it, it was a rather large, futuristic-looking appliance that I definitely put away after every use. So when NutriMill told me about their newest bamboo Harvest Grain Mill, I was super excited to try it out! Just check out how pretty it is…even pretty enough to leave on your counter, which would also serve as a good reminder to use it. :) And I think it’s even easier to use than my old one since there are fewer parts. Plus I also really like the smaller size and the look and feel of the eco-friendly bamboo. What a wonderful makeover!
For those of you who are not familiar with grinding your own wheat, I hope this post, which is sponsored by NutriMill, can help explain the benefits.
The reason I first wanted a mill was because, after exclusively eating white bread for many years, I learned that freshly ground wheat tastes much fresher and lighter than store bought flour/products. I used to avoid whole-wheat foods because I didn’t like the taste – but not if I use my wheat grinder! Plus there are extra nutritional benefits to grinding it fresh as well.
Benefits of Using a Grain Mill
- You save money. Grind as much (or as little) as you want, without waste. Commercial flours and mixes expire, but whole grains (before you grind them) don’t.
- Know what’s in your flour. Nothing bad is added, and nothing good is removed. You can be sure it’s the entire grain and nothing else!
- Use it for bean flours (see ideas below).
- Those who are gluten free can use it for various types of flour, including corn.
Harvest Grain Mill Features
- Texture control: grind anything from coarsely cracked grains (for cereals) to ultra-fine flour.
- It’s pretty! There are 6 color choices with a small footprint, making it perfectly acceptable to keep on the counter.
- It’s designed and assembled in the USA. Hard to go wrong there!
- 5-year warranty. In fact, truth be told, I had a minor warranty issue with my NutriMill Classic recently. I sent it back and in just a couple of weeks it was returned to me fixed, no questions asked. So there is good peace of mind for such an investment!
Ways to Use a Mill
- Prepare homemade baby food – quinoa, barley, millet, rice, and oats for cereals or dried peas/lentils.
- Grind oat groats or buckwheat right into your cereal bowl for raw muesli.
- Make healthy instant protein powder – quinoa, oat, or buckwheat flour. You probably know I’m not a fan of processed protein powders, so this is a great real-food alternative.
- Grind 100% whole-grain cornmeal from dried corn for masa, tortillas, and corn bread (this mill does NOT mill popcorn).
- Easily add bean and lentil flours to baked goods such as cookies, brownies, breakfast bars, or power muffins.
- Use chickpea flour for a creamy hummus (no gritty texture!), black or pinto bean flour for quick soups, bean dips, and refried beans.
- Make fresh pasta from alternative grains such as buckwheat or quinoa.
- Put cracked grains in pilafs and stuffings or use as meat extenders/replacers for burgers and meatballs.
- Grind white bean flour as a gluten-free thickener for soups or sauces.
- Add cracked grains to bread for more texture.
- Experiment with a variety of whole grain flours to replace white flour for ALL breads and baked goods.
We all know that there are SO many appliances out there and only so much space to store all these things, but I can honestly say that the NutriMill makes my short list of products to help make real food. It’s not difficult to get started, and as I mentioned – above all – it by far gives you the best tasting whole-grain products. Anyone else with me when it comes to grinding your own grains? I’d love to hear in the comments below!
I am a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and have been reaping the benefits of freshly milled grains and beans for quite some years now! I only use freshly milled flour to feed my family and to recommend to my clients. What a nutritional powerhouse of nutrients and a superb flavor! I have quite a few recipes on my food blog that use freshly milled flour — hamburger buns, pitas, and more! I sell grains and freshly milled flour to individuals (I package in tri-ply packaging to preserve freshness!) through my website http://www.ingrainedliving.com. I live in the Nashville, TN area and enjoy teaching real-food cooking classes and bread making classes. I love this new countertop mill! Thanks, Lisa, for some great inspiration and for championing real food!!
Hi,
This might seem a silly question but where do you find the whole grains that you then grind into the flours?
Hi Jess. You can find wheat berries and other whole grains at health food stores or you can find a large selection online.
You might want to look into a local co-op to be a part of that would help reduce shipping cost on large quantities of grain. If you live in the SE part of the US, there is http://www.breadbeckers.com. I have found that purchasing wheat berries in the health stores is SO much more expensive!
I have been grinding hard red and white wheat but have yet to make a successful loaf of bread using my bread machine or baking in the oven. Can you share a recipe for whole wheat bread using the wheat you have ground? Thanks so much.
Hi there. Here ya go: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2011/08/17/recipe-honey-whole-wheat-sandwich-bread-for-bread-machine/.
I’ve been milling my own wheat and baking my own bread for 11 years.
Very healthy. My Nutrimil is much bigger.
They are great!
Since long my wife is pushing me to find some ways to grind our own organic wheat. I think I am on the right site. I hope someone will help and guide me for this.
Thanks.
Francis Gill