New Organic Grain Processing Mill to Cut Energy Use by 30 Percent

[PFlynn]

A new organic grain processing mill will use up to 30pc less energy than conventional equivalents do, while retaining grain roughage, essential oils, minerals and fibre in processed grain product staples such as flour.

Organic processors claim to be well ahead with this process, in the trial of innovative, all-natural food technologies.

Certified organic miller and BFA Roadshow sponsor, Z Mills, is just one month away from the launch of Australia’s first no-oxygen, zero light and low-heat mill, at Alligrator, Brisbane.

For the first time, the mill will also be able to process hard grains such as brown rice and hemp without rancid effects, opening up the opportunity for entirely new product lines.

And the shelf life of no-oxygen milled product could be as long as two years.

Thomas Cunliffe, Z Mills CEO, says many of the mills enhanced efficiencies come from the fact it operates with just one moving piece.

“A large blade, similar to a lawnmower blade, spins the grain through the air at around 400 metres per second.

"Processing occurs as grain impacts with grain – effectively the grain mills itself," he says.

Mr Cunliffe says the mill operates at around 4 degrees Celsius in an oxygen-free environment that does not strip essential ingredients, creating a flour product that does not need to be fortified like many other flours after processing.

He says the product lasts longer because it has never been subjected to an outside environment.

“When a consumer opens a packet of flour processed by Z Mills in an Alligrator mill, it’s the first time that the grain’s been exposed to atmospheric conditions.

"Until that point there are few, if any enzymes activated."



News Hawk: PFlynn - http://www.420magazine.com/
Source: Fairfax Digital
Copyright: 2008 Fairfax Media
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Website: New organic grain processing mill to cut energy use by 30pc - National Rural News - Niche - General - Queensland Country Life