Explain the two types of flour milling. (20 marks)

There are two main types of flour milling: traditional milling and modern milling.

1. Traditional milling:
Traditional milling is a process that has been used for centuries to grind grains into flour. This method involves using a stone mill or a hand-operated mill to grind the grains. The grains are fed into the mill and crushed between two stones, resulting in the separation of the bran, germ, and endosperm. The bran and germ are then sifted out, leaving behind the endosperm, which is ground into flour.

Traditional milling is a slower and more labor-intensive process compared to modern milling. However, it is believed to produce flour with better flavor and nutritional value due to the retention of the bran and germ, which contain important nutrients and fiber. Traditional milling is still used in some small-scale mills and artisanal bakeries to produce specialty flours.

2. Modern milling:
Modern milling is a more efficient and automated process that is used in large-scale commercial flour mills. This method involves using roller mills to grind the grains into flour. The grains are fed into the roller mills, which crush and separate the bran, germ, and endosperm. The endosperm is then ground into flour, while the bran and germ are usually removed and used for other purposes.

Modern milling is faster and more cost-effective than traditional milling, making it the preferred method for large-scale flour production. However, some argue that modern milling may result in flour with lower nutritional value compared to traditional milling, as the bran and germ are often removed during the process. To address this concern, some modern mills now offer whole grain flours that retain the bran and germ for added nutritional benefits.

In conclusion, both traditional and modern milling have their own advantages and disadvantages. Traditional milling is slower but produces flour with better flavor and nutrition, while modern milling is faster and more efficient but may result in flour with lower nutritional value. Ultimately, the choice of milling method depends on the specific needs and preferences of the miller and consumer.

Two Types of Flour Milling:

1. Stone Milling

- Process:
- Employs traditional stone or granite millstones.
- Wheat kernels are crushed between two rotating stones.
- Product:
- Produces whole-wheat flour that retains all components of the wheat kernel (bran, germ, and endosperm).
- Characteristics:
- Nutrient-rich flour with a higher fiber content compared to commercially processed flour.
- Nutty flavor and coarser texture.
- Extended shelf life due to the presence of bran and germ.
- Applications:
- Artisan breads, whole-wheat pastries, rustic baked goods.

2. Roller Milling

- Process:
- Employs a series of steel rollers that progressively break down the wheat kernels.
- The endosperm (inner part) is separated from the bran (outer layer) and germ (inner embryo).
- Product:
- Produces refined flour with different extraction rates:
- White flour (72-75% extraction rate): Contains primarily the endosperm, low in fiber and nutrients.
- Whole-wheat flour (100% extraction rate): Similar to stone-milled flour, contains all components of the wheat kernel.
- Bread flour (11.5-12.7% protein): High in protein content, suitable for gluten-rich breads.
- Characteristics:
- Lighter color, finer texture, and milder flavor compared to stone-milled flour.
- Shorter shelf life due to the removal of bran and germ.
- Used in a wide variety of baked goods, from bread to pastry.