One of the things I’ve been experimenting with lately is milling my own flour from wheat berries. Two summers ago, I was VERY lucky to find a Nutrimill at a thrift store for $7. Truthfully, I didn’t even know for sure at the time that it was a grinder, but knowing how expensive they were, I was willing to take the chance. And I’m glad I did! They are $259 new!
Unfortunately, most of the recipes for wheat bread call for half white flour, and I didn’t want to have to use it. So I decided to buy the book “No More Bricks” by Lori Viets, which is a great one for beginner grinders like me. There are only four basic recipes in the book, but it teaches you all sorts of ways to use them, along with discussing the different types of grinders and grains. I have been extremely happy with the bread I’ve been baking, and even happier that there is no white flour in the loaves.
On a recent trip to the local Amish Bulk Store (it’s kind of new, and I was thrilled to discover it!) I bought a package of 7-grain berries, excited about the possibility of turning it into bread. I don’t usually pay that much for wheat berries, but normally, I buy in 25 or 50 pound quantities!
This is what the Nutrimill looks like, with a pound of berries ready to go.
And this is the flour that results. It’s just beautiful!
The original recipe for this bread can be found here. (I tripled it.) These are the ingredients:
My apologies to those who are unable to tolerate gluten. For me, it’s a needed addition in order to get a great loaf of 100% whole wheat. After dumping the ingredients into my mixer and kneading it, I just shape the loaves and let them rise in the oven with the light on. After an hour or so, when the dough is an inch above the pan, bake for about 30 minutes at 350 degrees.
Delicious, healthy whole wheat bread!
Get the recipe for this bread and the handy printable here:
100% Whole Wheat Bread
prvrbs31gal blogs at Homesteading on the Homefront.
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Pete says:
Love grinding my own wheat, but I use the dry canister with my VitaMix. Will be trying your recipe very soon.
Thanks!
On January 31, 2013 at 12:44 pm
Teresa says:
My husband found some sort of grinder-thingy in a barn. He said it hooks up to a tractor and was used to grind corn to a fine consistency. Wonder if this would work for grinding flour?
What is the ratio of #s/berries to cups or #s of flour?
It’s evident I’ve never ground my own flour; but would love to try!
Interesting & encouraging post, thank you!
On January 31, 2013 at 6:14 pm
prvrbs31gal says:
Honestly, it depends on the type of wheat. I’ve found a pound of berries yields between 5 and 7 cups. I don’t know anything about the tractor contraption but what can it hurt to try?
On January 31, 2013 at 6:40 pm