FLOUR – Homemade Flour: Traditional Methods and Craftsmanship

In a world where many food products are only available pre-packaged in supermarkets, we particularly enjoy returning to traditional methods on our land. A fascinating example of this is the production of flour from regional rye, which we carry out authentically ourselves.

We store our rye in large barrels to keep it fresher for longer than ground flour. The grains preserve their nutrients and freshness much longer, allowing us to mill the flour as needed. This step is not only practical but also a significant part of our philosophy of making our own food and better understanding its origin.

For the milling process, we use an old Bulgarian machine that, with the help of a motor, turns the grain into fine flour. This traditional method connects us with the history and craftsmanship of past times and shows us how enjoyable it is to take the production of staple foods into our own hands. The sound of the mill and the sight of the freshly ground flour are a pleasure and remind us of how satisfying it is to make things ourselves.

In addition to our method, there are various traditional techniques in the region for milling grain. A friend of Filip, our host, uses his car to drive over the grain sacks. This improvised method serves to crush the grains and is a good example of creative use of available resources. Another local farmer uses horses to walk over the grains to mill them. This method, reminiscent of old times, combines animal power with traditional craftsmanship and demonstrates the close connections between humans and nature.

Our homemade rye flour is mainly used for our sourdough, which lives in our refrigerator and regularly provides us with fresh, crispy bread. The sourdough, which has developed over time and with care, not only gives the bread a unique taste but also a special texture that is further enhanced by using freshly ground flour.

If you are interested in traditional craftsmanship and sustainable food production, making flour and baking bread could be an inspiring and enriching experience for you. It shows us how fulfilling it can be to produce staple foods ourselves and experience a deeper connection to the quality and origin of our food.

By Sarah K.