Grains

There's an entire world of grain producers waiting to be discovered
By Kimberly Webb Today's consumers expect to see whole grain products on the menu, and if you own a bakery, it's your duty to deliver. Choosing the right grains from so many may seem like a huge task, but once you learn more about the industry and the different types of grains on the market, you can made an educated buying decision.

Most grain mills around the United States deal with many different types of grain in one facility. They may start off by supplying the seed for grain, and stay with the process until the product goes through the grain grinder. Other companies receive the grain already partially processed, and then prepare it for bakery use. Some of the types of grain you may come across are:

1. Soybean grain

2. Corn grain

3. Wheat grain

4. Various other whole grains

Find out where your grains are coming from

Buying local is better for a variety of reasons. Not only do you get your product faster and have the opportunity to establish a one-on-one connection with your supplier, but you also help to stimulate the local economy. So, consider choosing a grain mill near you for your next shipment of whole grain.
Try:  Find a supplier locally. Companies like Hummingbird Wholesale not only offer a wide selection of products, but tell you where each product originates from. So you can purchase grains grown in the US or go one step further and try to find someone in your state. You can also connect with your state grain growers association, like the North Carolina Small Grain Growers Association.

Compare prices among the different grain companies

Price is probably a key issue in your decision-making process. Generally speaking, the more grain you buy, the cheaper it is. You can usually contact the supplier and let them know the order size and your requirements to get a quote tailored to your needs. Buying different types of grain from the same company can save you money as well.
Try:  Compare prices for grains from the different vendors. Get quotes from several wholesale grain suppliers, such as Maine Made, AAOOB Products, Wholesale Bulk Foods and Homegrown Harvest.

Know what the grain growers know

Another way to make sure that your product line is fresh and up-to-date is to keep current on the grain industry. Many have quarterly publications and email subscriptions that you can sign up for to find out how the industry is doing and learn about things that affect you as a buyer.
Try:  Stay abreast of the latest events in the industry. You can visit the websites of the Whole Grains Council, the National Barley Foods Council and the US Grains Council to keep on top of the grain industry news and reports.

• If you're getting your grains milled for a specific purpose, most grain mills can change the texture of the mill to suit your needs. For instance, a whole-grain bread recipe may require less of a grind than a batter or a mix.