Tempering

Adding a measured amount of water to grain and letting it rest before milling. It's standard in commercial milling because it toughens the bran so it comes off in bigger flakes and softens the endosperm so it grinds cleanly. Many home millers skip it, while some lightly temper grain they plan to sift to make the bran easier to separate.

By Henry Hunter · Updated October 1, 2026

Henry's notes from the bench

• Check your mill's instructions before tempering. Damp grain can gum up some mills, especially impact mills.