Are you tired of buying expensive almond flour from the store? Why not try making your own at home?
Not only is it cheaper, but it’s also fresher and you have control over the texture. However, achieving a fine, powdery consistency can be tricky.
In this article, we’ll explore various methods for grinding almonds into flour and provide step-by-step instructions to help you achieve the perfect texture every time.
So grab your blender or food processor and let’s get started!
How To Finely Grind Almond Flour?
Method 1: High-Speed Blender
To make almond flour using a high-speed blender, start by adding almonds to the blender and blending on high until a fine, powdery flour is achieved. It’s recommended to blend for 5-10 seconds on the highest setting, then stop and shake the blender container to loosen any clumps that have formed on the sides.
Continue blending until the almonds are finely ground, but be careful not to over-process as it can turn into almond butter. Check your blender for bits of nuts and continue blending, occasionally removing your blender from the base and shaking to ensure all almonds are well blended.
Transfer the almond flour to a jar or container and store it unrefrigerated for up to 1 month or longer.
Method 2: Food Processor
To make almond flour using a food processor, start by placing a cup of blanched or slivered almonds in the bowl of a food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse for 50-60 times in 1-second increments, stopping every 10 seconds to scrape the sides of the bowl.
Continue pulsing until the almonds are finely ground, but be careful not to turn it into almond butter. The whole process of grinding almonds in a food processor takes around 2-3 minutes.
Sieve the powder to collect any larger bits which you can then blend/grind again. Transfer into an air-tight jar/container and store it in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life.
Method 3: Coffee Grinder
If you have a coffee grinder at home, you can use it to grind almonds into flour. Pour the almonds (or almond pulp) into the grinder and grind until they turn into almond flour. A coffee grinder will yield a finer ground almond flour.
Why Make Your Own Almond Flour?
There are a few reasons why making your own almond flour can be beneficial. Firstly, it’s cost-effective. Store-bought almond flour can be quite expensive, but making your own can save you money in the long run. Secondly, homemade almond flour is fresher and often has a better taste than store-bought varieties. Additionally, making your own almond flour allows you to control the texture and consistency of the flour. You can grind it to your desired fineness, which is especially important when making delicate desserts like macarons. Finally, homemade almond flour is a great option for those with dietary restrictions like gluten-free, Paleo, Keto, Whole30, and low-carb diets. By making your own almond flour, you can ensure that it’s free from any additives or preservatives that may be present in store-bought varieties. Overall, making your own almond flour is a simple process that can save you money and provide you with a fresher and more customizable product.
Choosing The Right Almonds
When it comes to making almond flour, choosing the right type of almonds can make a big difference in the final product. Raw almonds can be used to make almond meal, which has a slightly coarser texture than almond flour. Blanched almonds, on the other hand, are recommended for making almond flour as they produce a finer texture.
Blanched almonds are simply raw almonds that have had their skins removed. This process can be done at home by soaking the almonds in water and then removing the skins manually or by purchasing pre-blanched almonds. Using blanched almonds will result in a finer, more delicate flour that is perfect for baking.
It’s important to note that the quality of the almonds can also affect the final product. Look for fresh, high-quality almonds to ensure that your almond flour has a rich, buttery flavor. Buying almonds in bulk can also help save money in the long run.
Soaking And Blanching Almonds
Before grinding almonds into flour, it’s important to soak and blanch them. This process involves removing the skin from the almonds, which results in a finer and smoother flour.
To blanch almonds, start by boiling water in a small pot. Once the water is boiling, add the raw almonds and let them boil for 60 seconds. Drain the hot water and rinse the almonds with cold water. Once cool enough to handle, gently squeeze each almond between your fingers to remove the skin.
After blanching, spread the almonds out on a clean towel and let them dry completely before grinding. If the almonds are not completely dry, they can clump together during grinding and create an uneven texture in the flour.
When grinding blanched almonds into flour, it’s important to use a high-speed blender or food processor to achieve a fine and powdery consistency. It’s recommended not to blend more than 8 ounces of almonds at a time to ensure even grinding.
Grinding Almonds With A Blender
Making almond flour with a blender is a quick and easy process that requires only one ingredient and a high-powered blender. The best part is that you can make almond flour without any additional attachments. Follow these simple steps to make almond flour in your blender:
1. Measure out 1 cup of raw or blanched almonds. Blanched almonds will create a finer almond flour, while raw almonds will create more of an almond meal.
2. Place the almonds into your blender. One cup should be enough to cover the blades of most high-powered blenders.
3. Secure the blender lid and place the tamper inside the blender. Turn the blender on high for 5-10 seconds, using the tamper if needed to keep the almonds moving.
4. Check the consistency of the almond flour. If it’s not fine enough, continue blending for another few seconds until you achieve your desired consistency.
5. Pour the fresh ground almond flour into an airtight container and store it in a cool, dry place for up to one month.
It’s important not to over-process the almonds in your blender, as this can cause them to release their oils and turn into almond butter. If you’re making a larger batch of almond flour, it’s best to do it in smaller batches to ensure even grinding.
Grinding almonds with a blender is a cost-effective way to make your own almond flour at home, without having to spend extra money on pre-milled flours from the store. Plus, homemade almond flour tastes fresher and is usually more cost-effective than store-bought alternatives.
Grinding Almonds With A Food Processor
Using a food processor is a popular method for grinding almonds into flour. To start, you will need blanched or slivered almonds, a food processor with the blade attachment, and a silicone spatula.
Begin by placing a cup of almonds in the bowl of the food processor fitted with the blade attachment. Pulse for 50-60 times in 1-second increments and stop every 10 seconds to scrape the sides of the bowl. This ensures that the almonds are ground evenly and that the almond flour does not turn into almond butter.
Continue pulsing until you reach your desired consistency, but be mindful not to over-process. The whole process of grinding almonds in a food processor takes around 2-3 minutes.
After grinding the almonds, it’s recommended to sieve the powder to collect any larger bits which you can then blend or grind again. This will result in a finer ground almond flour.
Transfer the almond flour into an air-tight jar or container and store it in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life. Grinding almonds with a food processor is an easy and convenient way to make your own almond flour at home.
Using A Coffee Grinder For Almond Flour
A coffee grinder can be a great option for grinding almonds into a fine powder for almond flour. However, it’s important to note that this method can be more time-consuming than using a high-speed blender or food processor, as you’ll need to create the flour in small batches due to the size of the machine.
To use a coffee grinder for almond flour, start by pouring the almonds or almond pulp into the grinder. Grind until they turn into a fine powder, but be careful not to over-process as it can turn into almond butter.
Once you have ground the almonds into flour, you can sieve the powder to collect any larger bits which you can then blend/grind again. This will help you achieve a finer ground almond flour.
It’s important to note that if you use your coffee grinder often for coffee, it can flavor your almond flour slightly. To avoid this, you can reserve a separate grinder just for grinding nuts and seeds.
After grinding the almonds into flour using a coffee grinder, transfer the almond flour into an air-tight jar or container and store it in the fridge or freezer for longer shelf life. This method can be a great option if you don’t have a high-speed blender or food processor at home, but still want to make your own fresh and fluffy almond flour.
