What Does “Freshly Milled Flour” Even Mean?

In this post I will explain what wheat berries are, how to get freshly milled flour from them, why freshly milled flour is beneficial and how to easily incorporate it into your home.

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Two years ago I went down a rabbit hole learning all about freshly milled flour and purchased my own grain mill to make wholesome breads for my family. Recently while talking about freshly milled flour someone said to me, “I don’t even know what that means.” I realize there’s a first time for hearing about everything so I wanted to write a blog post that explained it simply. Busy moms don’t have time for complicated ideas! Freshly milled flour is important though, and we need to get the word out. So, let’s get to it:

Where Does Flour Come From?

Flour is made by milling (grinding) wheat berries into a powder. Wheat berries are a whole grain that have three parts:

1. Bran– the fiber rich outer layer. Also contains antioxidants.
2. Germ– the nutrient dense core. Contains vitamin E, vitamin B, healthy fats and minerals.
3. Endosperm– the starchy interior, mostly made of carbohydrates.

What Is Freshly Milled Flour (FMF)?

FMF is simply flour that has just been milled from wheat berries. Home bakers know to use FMF immediately. Once the bran and germ are exposed to air they quickly begin to oxidize and become rancid, therefore spoiling the flour. Tests have shown spoilage to happen anywhere between 2-14 days.

Why is FMF Beneficial?

First, a brief explanation on store bought flours. To make flour last on a shelf, manufacturers must remove the bran and germ. This eliminates beneficial nutrients. The only thing that’s left is the endosperm, which is mostly starch that holds very little nutrition. To make up for the loss of nutrients, flours are “fortified” or “enriched” with synthetic (chemically made) vitamins. DON’T BE FOOLED. Our bodies don’t know what to do with these synthetic additives and we are NOT getting the same nutritional profile present in the natural whole grain. In addition, store bought flours need preservatives to make the product last longer. In summary, IT’S NOT REAL FOOD.

FMF, on the other hand, is LOADED with nutritional benefits! Nothing is removed, so you truly get the whole grain. Vitamin E for heart health, B vitamins to keep our cells (and brain!) functioning properly, protein, healthy fats, antioxidants, minerals.. it’s nearly a perfect food! Complex carbohydrates, particularly the fiber found in whole grains, is an amazing prebiotic. Prebiotics are necessary for a healthy gut, which ultimately leads to a stronger immune system.

Another benefit to FMF is variety. On Azure Standard’s Website you can find many types of wheat berries, including:

• Durum
• Einkorn
• Emmer
• Spelt
• Rye
• Hard Red
• Soft White

It’s fun to try out different flavors and textures, plus you mix up nutritional values by doing so! Store bought flours all taste the same. FMF varieties are way more delicious! FMF provides deep, rich flavors to any of your favorite meals.

Have I convinced you to try FMF yet? Wondering how in the world you’d even do it? Milling your own flour isn’t as hard as you may think!

How to Incorporate FMF Into Your Home

1. Buy a home grain mill. Mockmill and Nutrimill are popular brands.
2. Get recipes! My favorite freshly milled flour cookbook is this one by Sue Becker. This website is a helpful resource as well.
3. Replace store bought flour with freshly milled!
4. Be consistent and commit. If you have children, or are a picky eater yourself, understand that not every recipe you try will be a mouthwatering replica of what you’re used to. That’s ok! Eventually you will find your favorites and only make those over and over again.

Conclusion

In conclusion, whole grains made from freshly milled flour are far superior to grains made from store bought flours. Now more than ever is the time to invest in your health!

Have you tried FMF? Drop a comment below to tell me your thoughts!