Cherity asked: Just wondering about the economic aspect of grinding your own flour? Is it really cheaper? I know it’s healthier, but we’re on somewhat of a tight budget and I’m trying to make sure this is something we can invest in right now. I know how many cups is in a package of wheat flour at the supermarket, but how many cups can you get from,say, a 5 lb bag of wheat berries?
Here are a few things to consider…
1. Quantity -grain produces more flour
I have found there is approximately 10 cups of grain in a 5 pound bag, and that 1 cup of grain produces 1 1/2 cups of flour. Which in my understanding would mean you would produce more flour from a bag of grain than from purchasing the same weight in flour, but after weighing a 1 cup grain to 1.5 cups flour, they weighed about the same. So it is hard to say.
2. Flour costs more than grain
Not significantly different, but interesting to note. These are price comparisons from my source, Azure Standard, according to 5 pound quantities. Whole wheat shows the most significant difference.
WW grains – 3.80 – ww flour -5.70
Spelt grain – 6.90, spelt flour – $7.85
Kamut grain – 4.55, kamut flour -4.95
3. Whole grain is easier to find than flour
By this I mean, that it is more difficult to find a variety of whole grain flours at a health food store. In my experience, I have not seen spelt flour, or kamut flour, for example. They are only available mail order. There may be exceptions, but this is my observations. So the benefit of buying in whole form is that you get a lot more choice and variety in your grains! You have more options which provide more variety in nutritional benefits.
4. Storage – buying bulk savings
Most people do not have freezer room for a 25 lb bag of flour, as storage in the freezer/frig is essential for preserving the nutritional value of the ground flour. If you choose the flour method, you will most likely have to purchase in smaller quantities and loss out on the bulk savings. I save approximately $4.50 each time I buy a 25 lb bag over five individual 5 lb bags (differs depending on what grain is purchased).
In conclusion…
Obviously, the differences are very minimal in cost comparison, and will not out way the cost of a grain grinder. If cost is an issue, start with flour, store in the fridge or freezer, and start saving for a grinder! Ask for one for your birthday (my SIL is doing this)! I received mine as a wedding gift…for which I am thankful! I believe the biggest issue is the nutritional loss in buying flour over grain.
Another option in using grain without a grinder is to check out Sue Gregg’s breakfast book, and her online recipes. She uses the blender for much of her grinding! This works great and another wonderful alternative, although it has it’s limitations.
The grain grinding is something that I’m looking into. Azure Standard doesn’t deliver to my area and I’m looking for alternatives for purchasing wheat berries. Any ideas?
…you would produce more flour from a bag of grain than from purchasing the same weight in flour…
Five pounds of grain produces 5 pounds of flour — it just looks like more (i.e. 1 cup vs. 1.5 cups). The weight stays the same, if that makes sense.
My mom recently priced whole grain wheat and whole wheat flour in bulk (all chemical-free), and found that they were very similar prices for 50-pound bags. In fact, at one place, the flour was actually a little bit cheaper than buying the whole grain! We still opted for whole grain wheat, since I figured the flour probably wasn’t the freshest… but my parents bought flour.
I love your blog, btw!
I don’t have a grinder yet, so I have been grinding flour at my mother’s and then freezing it as quickly as possible afterwards until I’m ready to bake.
A word to the wise, make sure your flour is room temperature before trying to bake with it or it will slow down the yeast and rising agents! Don’t ask me how I know!
My mother’s Nutrimill is wonderful though, very quiet (in comparison to others), and handles all kinds of grains beautifully. I will definitely be getting one of them one day!
Another suggestion would be to see if a friend has a grain mill that you could use. I have a grain mill that I have offered use of many times to others. It would be an opportunity for fellowship as well as you visited her house.
Thanks Lindsay! I think I’ll take your advice and start buying small amounts of grains and storing them in the freezer. It will take awhile (or maybe a request for my birthday this summer!) to save up for a grain mill, but it’s definitely something I’ll be working toward!