using feed grade grains for making bread or beer?

[CanadaEh]

Just wondering would it be safe to use feed grade whole grains, specifically whole barley for making bread or beer, does any one do it and would I need to wash and dry it first before crashing it in a corona mill?

 

[Percheron chick]

The main question is why is it designated as feed grade? Contaminants, nutritional profile, size of grain, too much inventory, fungi...? I would sift it back and forth to remove dirt, seeds and chaff contaminants then brew some beer.

 

[CanadaEh]

The main question is why is it designated as feed grade? Contaminants, nutritional profile, size of grain, too much inventory, fungi...?

Or it could be as well the necessity to charge a few dollars per pound for food grade once in health stores.

 

[cavemanrich]

Here is my thought. I also agree with views of Percheron Chick. The purity and contaminants.
For making beer, I see the horse feed as OK. For making bread, I would opt for the somewhat higher price since I don't like sand grit in my mouth eating food
Stuff is high priced when getting a small quantity from a Health Food Store.
Its not all they bad if getting food grade in larger quantity. It is higher than horse feed, but not out of reach.

 

[CanadaEh]

For making beer, I see the horse feed as OK. For making bread, I would opt for the somewhat higher price since I don't like sand grit in my mouth eating food
Stuff is high priced when getting a small quantity from a Health Food Store.
Its not all they bad if getting food grade in larger quantity. It is higher than horse feed, but not out of reach.

you have more developed market in US. In Canada it is either in bulk for chickens at $12/55lb bag or it is a gourmet grocery item and than it is 10x times the price.

It is not the sand or sticks that concern me as I could easily sift or wash them out. It is if the grains would be treated with some chemicals that would be not allowed for human consumption otherwise.

 

[cavemanrich]

It is if the grains would be treated with some chemicals that would be not allowed for human consumption otherwise.

I don't think they treat the grains with anything. (anything bad for people, is also bad for chickens) Only treatment of grains that I am aware of, are seed corn, Am not totally sure if it has something to do with corn not spoiling, or as a indication that it is a seed corn. Seed corn is quite pricey, and for obvious reasons.

If you are able to sift, and clean up the barley, then go for it.

 

[Cazook]

I have never tried malting barley myself. I would be worried about screwing it up somehow and having the grains go mouldy or not sprouted correctly.

 

[cavemanrich]

I have never tried malting barley myself. I would be worried about screwing it up somehow and having the grains go mouldy or not sprouted correctly.

You need to experiment with small quantity. Then if looking good, mainline larger volume.

 

[Cazook]

You need to experiment with small quantity. Then if looking good, mainline larger volume.

Maybe a project for during lockdown lol