Frequently Asked Questions about freshly milled flours

Frequently Asked Questions about Organic Sphere

  • What is Organic Sphere? Organic Sphere is a family-run mill located in Texas that specializes in producing freshly milled flours. They are committed to organic practices, sustainability, and offering a different approach to food.
  • What makes Organic Sphere flour different from typical supermarket flour? Organic Sphere flour stands out due to several key factors:
    • Freshness: They mill their flour on demand, either the same day or the day before it's delivered, ensuring maximum flavor and nutrients.
    • Minimal Processing: Unlike most conventional flours, Organic Sphere flour is not bleached and contains no additives. They also retain the bran and germ, which are often stripped away in highly processed flours.
    • Ancient Grains: They use Ancient Grains like emmer and khorasan (kamut) wheat, which are varieties that haven't been extensively hybridized or genetically modified like modern wheat.
    • Stone Milling: They employ the traditional method of stone milling, which gently crushes the grain between two stones. This process helps retain more nutrients and natural oils in the flour compared to modern steel rollers.
    • Family-run and Transparent: Organic Sphere is a small, family-run operation committed to organic practices and transparency, allowing consumers to know the whole story behind their product.
  • What is "fresh milled flour," and why is it important? Fresh milled flour means the flour is milled on demand, typically the same day or the day before it's delivered. This contrasts with most supermarket flours that sit on shelves for extended periods, losing flavor and nutrients. Getting flour straight from the mill ensures higher flavor and nutritional value.
  • Why is minimal processing important for Organic Sphere flour? Organic Sphere does not process their flour with bleaching or additives, and they keep the bran and germ intact. This is significant because:
    • It retains the fiber in whole grains, which can aid digestion, especially for those who have problems digesting highly processed foods.
    • It ensures higher nutritional value and natural flavors.
    • It aligns with their commitment to quality and natural ingredients.
  • What are Ancient Grains, and why does Organic Sphere use them? Ancient Grains are varieties of grains that haven't been extensively hybridized or genetically modified over time, like emmer and khorasan (kamut) wheat. Organic Sphere uses them because:
    • Some people find them easier to digest, particularly those sensitive to modern wheat.
    • They offer unique flavors and textures, like emmer's nutty flavor for bread and cookies, or khorasan's sweet, buttery taste for pastries and cakes.
    • They represent a "taste of the past" and align with Organic Sphere's focus on traditional methods and quality.
  • What types of flour does Organic Sphere offer? Beyond wheat flour, Organic Sphere offers a diverse range of flours, including:
    • Joar (Sorghum): A gluten-free grain that is a staple food in many parts of the world, especially India and Africa. It has a slightly sweet, earthy flavor and is versatile for flatbreads, porridges, pancakes, and cookies.
    • Millets: Ancient grains, especially popular in Asia and Africa, known for being nutritious, growing in tough climates, and being packed with protein and fiber. They are also gluten-free and can be used in porridge, salads, soups, and veggie burgers.
    • Bengle Gram Flour.
    • Rice Flour.
    • Emmer and Khorasan (Kamut) Wheat.
  • Is Organic Sphere flour gluten-free? While some of their flours, like emmer and khorasan wheat, contain gluten, Organic Sphere also offers gluten-free options such as joar (sorghum), millets, and rice flour.
  • How should I store Organic Sphere flour? Because Organic Sphere flour is fresh and doesn't contain preservatives, it has a shorter shelf life than conventional flour. It's best to store it in an airtight container in a cool, dark place, treating it similarly to fresh produce. They offer different sizes, so customers can buy smaller amounts if they don't bake frequently.
  • Is Organic Sphere flour more expensive than regular flour? While it's a common concern, Organic Sphere's prices are actually competitive, especially compared to other specialty flours. When considering the added nutrition, quality, freshness, and the support of a small family business committed to sustainability, many find it offers significant value.
  • What is "stone milling," and why does Organic Sphere choose this method? Stone milling is an old-school method where grains are crushed between two stones. Organic Sphere chooses this method because it is gentler on the grain and retains more of the nutrients and natural oils in the flour compared to modern steel rollers. This aligns with their commitment to minimal processing, quality, and flavor over speed or efficiency.
  • How does Organic Sphere promote transparency and community engagement? Organic Sphere fosters transparency and community in several ways:
    • They are a small, family-run operation with clear values.
    • They encourage customers to visit their facility and may even allow customers to mill their own grains in the future, fostering a direct connection to the food production process.
    • They provide extensive resources on their website, including recipes, tips, and videos, to help customers successfully use their flours.
    • They aim to break down barriers between food producers and consumers, creating a community around good food.
  • Are there any downsides or trade-offs to using Organic Sphere flour? One main consideration is the shorter shelf life of fresh milled flour due to the absence of preservatives. Additionally, Organic Sphere flour is not fortified with extra vitamins and minerals like some conventional flours. While fortification was introduced to combat nutrient deficiencies, some people prefer to obtain nutrients from whole foods rather than added vitamins.
  • How do I use Organic Sphere flour in my cooking and baking? Using Organic Sphere flour may require some experimentation, especially with ancient grain flours, as they might need tweaking to existing recipes. However, for flours like their all-purpose wheat flour, it can often be used like regular flour. Organic Sphere provides extensive resources on their website, including recipes, tips, and videos, to guide customers.
  • What are Organic Sphere's core values? Organic Sphere's core values are deeply integrated into their business. They are dedicated to:
    • Quality: Prioritizing delicious and nutritious food.
    • Transparency: Being open about their processes and where their food comes from.
    • Community: Fostering connection between producers and consumers.
    • Sustainability: Caring for the land and the planet through organic practices.
    • Honoring Tradition: Valuing old traditions and ingredients, bringing back the "art of flour milling".
    • Authenticity: Maintaining a genuine approach to their product and business.