Flaxseeds may be small, but they are packed with vitamins and nutrients. They are a fantastic and plant-based source of fibre, protein and omega-3 fatty acids. However, whole linseeds have skin on the outside that is really tough and keeps them from breaking down in the digestive tract.
To get the most benefits from flaxseeds, it is best to grind them. This does not only apply to flaxseeds, ground seeds are very good and tasty to incorporate into many dishes. Today, I go through with you how best to grind seeds!
Method 1: The food processor or blender
A blender or food processor is a great option for grinding seeds. Most have at least one of these devices on the kitchen counter these days. When you want to grind linseed in the blender, you add 1 cup of around 149 grams of seed to the blender and grind it for a few minutes just until it has the right consistency. So this also applies to other seeds.
For the food processor, the same applies, you add a cup of around 149 grams of flaxseed and you grind this too until the desired consistency is reached. This takes a few minutes.
However, using these methods can take some time and there are other methods that allow you to grind slightly smaller quantities.
Method 2: The coffee grinder
You can also use the coffee grinder to grind seeds easily. They are quite cheap devices, but they are also quick and efficient. When you want to grind flaxseed with the coffee grinder, it is important to add seeds to the fill level of the coffee grinder that you use specifically for flaxseed and turn it on. It only takes a few seconds for the seeds to be fully ground. With a coffee grinder, you can better control the quantities yourself. Waste is well reduced as a result.
Method 3: The mincer of the hand blender
You can also use seeds with the mincer of the hand blender. Just keep in mind that this method is mainly meant for smaller quantities. If you try to grind too much at once, the seeds will not be ground properly.
Method 4: By hand
Of course, you can also just easily grind seeds by hand. At least, you have tools for this. One of them is the flax mill. This is a handy kitchen tool made purely for grinding flax. It looks a little bit like a pepper mill, which by the way you can also just use for grinding seeds.
If you still have a pepper mill that is empty, clean it so that no pepper residue remains and then you can also use it to grind seeds.
A pestle and mortar are also good for grinding seeds by hand. You use the pestle to crush the seeds against the mortar and thus grind them.
With these methods, it is possible to grind around one teaspoon of seeds at a time. If you don’t have kitchen equipment that can do the job then this is quite a great solution.
Storing ground seeds
Finally, let me draw your attention to how long you can store ground seeds. It doesn’t matter which option you choose when it comes to storing ground seeds. You can keep these in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure they are packed really airtight, otherwise, they can still spoil. Therefore, grind only as much as you think you will eat within a week.
Ground seeds should have a slightly nutty flavour, this of course varies from seed to seed. One thing applies in any case. Does it taste bitter? Then throw it away.