The first issue when changing your diet is will you be able to stick with the new program. I told my husband if we do this it has to be easy, or we will never stick with it.
What to consider:
Grain Sources:
When I first started this process finding the grain at a reasonable price was an issue. You can buy it at the health food store, but the cost is high and you do not know how fresh it is. It's also available on line but the shipping really adds up. I buy grain in 25 and 50 pound bags, that may seem like a lot but you would be amazed how fast you will use it. Also it lasts for years if stored properly.
The reason I started the Co-Op was to solve this issue. I have access to organic fresh grain in large quantities at low prices with no shipping charges. I do not charge anything to join, we use Country Life Natural Foods,
they are a great company and deliver to this area every other month. I do charge a flat 10% fee to cover taxes and expenses. A 50 pound bag of organic spring hard red wheat (bread flour) is $27.50 thru the Co-Op.
There are many different types of grains, each grain has a specific purpose. For example Hard Wheat is used for breads. Here is a link to show you all the grains I use ..... Types of Grain Available
Grain Storage:
You can keep your grain in 5 gallon buckets with a lid. I just keep mine in plastic tubs. The main issue is to keep the bugs out, so make sure you have a tight fitting lid. The grain will last for a very long time in it's natural state. Once you mill it then it starts to degrade. It does not need any special treatment, just a dry container preferably in a cool area, like a basement if you have one.
What to consider:
- Where to get the whole grain
- How to store the grain
- How to mill the grain
- How to bake with this new product
Grain Sources:
When I first started this process finding the grain at a reasonable price was an issue. You can buy it at the health food store, but the cost is high and you do not know how fresh it is. It's also available on line but the shipping really adds up. I buy grain in 25 and 50 pound bags, that may seem like a lot but you would be amazed how fast you will use it. Also it lasts for years if stored properly.
The reason I started the Co-Op was to solve this issue. I have access to organic fresh grain in large quantities at low prices with no shipping charges. I do not charge anything to join, we use Country Life Natural Foods,
they are a great company and deliver to this area every other month. I do charge a flat 10% fee to cover taxes and expenses. A 50 pound bag of organic spring hard red wheat (bread flour) is $27.50 thru the Co-Op.
There are many different types of grains, each grain has a specific purpose. For example Hard Wheat is used for breads. Here is a link to show you all the grains I use ..... Types of Grain Available
Grain Storage:
You can keep your grain in 5 gallon buckets with a lid. I just keep mine in plastic tubs. The main issue is to keep the bugs out, so make sure you have a tight fitting lid. The grain will last for a very long time in it's natural state. Once you mill it then it starts to degrade. It does not need any special treatment, just a dry container preferably in a cool area, like a basement if you have one.
Once you have decided on the type of mill, locating one is another issue. Sometimes we have used mills for sale. Currently I have 2 for sale both are stone mills. If you are interested contact me to come over and take a look at them.
I have a stone mill that I modified to mill larger amounts. You probably would not need to mill the quantity of flour that I do. I keep my mill on a rolling file cabinet in my kitchen. The file cabinet allows me to roll it out of the way when I am not using it and has the drawers for storing my supplies. Now your kitchen may be larger and you could have a permanent location.
I have a stone mill that I modified to mill larger amounts. You probably would not need to mill the quantity of flour that I do. I keep my mill on a rolling file cabinet in my kitchen. The file cabinet allows me to roll it out of the way when I am not using it and has the drawers for storing my supplies. Now your kitchen may be larger and you could have a permanent location.
Now you are thinking is this really worth all this effort, I can tell you it is! We have kept our weight under control, my digestive issues are no longer a problem. I have many articles I have written on the health benefits of whole grain if you wish to check them out, click on this link. ....Health Benefits of Whole Grain
I Hope I have inspired you to take control of what you eat and change your life for the better. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.
I Hope I have inspired you to take control of what you eat and change your life for the better. If you have any questions feel free to contact me.