What are milled products?

Answered by Tom Adger

Milled products refer to a variety of food products that have undergone the process of milling, which involves grinding or crushing grains or other ingredients into a fine powder or flour-like consistency. In the context of Indian cuisine, some commonly consumed milled products include Wheat/Meslin Flour, Rye Flour, Maize (corn) Flour, Rice Flour, and Cereal Flour other than Wheat (such as Meslin, Rye, Maize, Rice).

Wheat flour is perhaps the most widely used milled product in India. It is made by milling whole wheat grains and is commonly used to make various breads, rotis (flatbreads), parathas, and other wheat-based dishes. Wheat flour can be further categorized into different types based on the fineness of the grind, such as whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and bread flour.

Rye flour, on the other hand, is made by milling rye grains and is commonly used in the preparation of rye breads, crackers, and certain types of pastries. Rye flour has a distinct flavor and is known for its darker color compared to wheat flour.

Maize or corn flour is made by milling dried corn kernels. It is frequently used in Indian cuisine to make dishes like cornbread, tortillas, and corn-based snacks. Maize flour can also be used as a thickening agent in soups, stews, and gravies.

Rice flour, as the name suggests, is made from milled rice grains. It is commonly used in Indian sweets and snacks like rice flour laddoos, murukku (a type of crispy snack), and dosas (savory pancakes). Rice flour is also used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour in various recipes.

Apart from these specific types of milled products, there are also cereal flours other than wheat available in the Indian market. These include flours made from grains like barley, millet, sorghum, and oats. These flours are used in the preparation of traditional Indian dishes, such as barley rotis, ragi dosas (made from finger millet flour), and jowar bhakris (made from sorghum flour).

In addition to flours, milled products can also include other forms of processed grains. Groats of wheat, for example, are grains that have been hulled and crushed into small pieces. They are commonly used in the preparation of porridges and as an ingredient in baked goods.

Meal of wheat refers to coarsely ground wheat that still contains the bran and germ. It is often used in the preparation of breakfast cereals, breads, and other baked goods. Pellets of wheat are small, compressed grains that have been milled and shaped into pellet-like forms. They are commonly used as animal feed.

Milled products in the context of Indian cuisine refer to a range of food products that have been processed through the milling process. These include various types of flour made from grains like wheat, rye, maize, and rice, as well as other processed grain products like groats, meal, and pellets. These milled products form the foundation of many traditional Indian dishes and provide a versatile range of ingredients for cooking and baking.