Which is more economical in the long run?
I need to stop buying flour from the grocery store since the price is killing me - $5.49 for 5 lbs. So, is it better to buy wheat berries and a mill? I make breads (mostly whole grain) and cakes.
The breads for now are just for "family", but I sell cakes as a somewhat profitable hobby (and that's a real somewhat).
Either way, I'll have to get those containers to store bulk wheat or bulk berries, so tht cost is the same. Question is - will the mill ever pay for itself?
Hmm... I should save for another post - can I mill white cake flour for cakes? I'm as "close to earth" as I can for my cakes too (though people keep wanting food coloring! LOL).
My signature isn't showing today -drats...
Melissa
Sweet Melissa's, Custom cakes made from scratch using organic ingredients, http://www.sweetmelissas.net/ and http://sweetmelissas.blogspot.com/
Melissa, if you go to pierce-ohio.com you can find those buckets and gamma seal lids much cheaper than I have seen anyplace else. That will cut your costs over the long run, also. Terry
Melissa,
Before you dive into grinding you should check our some wholesale sources. You live in a large metropolitan area. There must be some bakery supply places that will sell to you. From the looks of your site you are a frequent baker so you should be able to use the large sacks of flour.
Here in Wisconsin the price for Gold Medal Better for Bread is down to $2.05 for 5# in the stores and it's every bit as good as King Arthur for $6.50. I can buy All Trumps for $19 for a 50# bag from a supply house. Get yourself some seal able containers to keep the flour fresh and find a better source. I think you be surprised at how willing a bakery supply salesman will be to help you out. Grinding is a worthwhile project but it IS a project.
Eric