A quick, simple DIY (with 4 methods) for how to grind flaxseed for flaxseed meal, which can be used to boost the nutritional value of meals and for gluten-free & vegan baking!
The coffee grinder* is perfect for grinding small quantities of flaxseed, for immediate use. Begin by adding the seeds to the coffee or spice grinder **
Turn it on (or, if using manually, then begin to grind) and the seeds will be fully ground within a few seconds and slightly longer when using a manual grinder. Don't "blend" for too long or it will become hot and turn into a 'butter'.
The Blender/Food Processor Method:
When using a blender or food processor, you'll need to grind at least 1 cup of flaxseed - otherwise it just doesn't work very well.
Place the flaxseed into the blender or food processor and blend until the flax is ground to your desired consistency. This can take several minutes as I like to blend in 20-30 second increments then stop and shake the machine and blend again.
Mortar & Pestle Method:
If you have none of the above tools then you could also grind the flaxseed using a mortar and pestle. This is best for smaller amounts - 1 tbsp at a time.
Place your seeds in the mortar and use the pestle to grind the seeds into the side of the mortar, crushing them. This will take a while and you won't get a super fine consistency - however, it does work.
To Store The Ground Seeds: (see more in notes)
Once ground, flaxseed are susceptible to going rancid fairly quickly due to the oils being sensitive to the heat and sunlight. I would usually suggest that you only make small batches anyway. However, if you do have any extra left over then store these in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 weeks (unfortunately, it can vary) or in the freezer for a few months.
Video
Notes
*They are also fairly inexpensive, depending on what type you get i.e. manual vs electric and the type of blades, etc. **Both will work for this. However, they will provide you with a slightly different final texture. Note - You can also buy a tool specifically for grinding flax seeds, which looks a bit like a pepper grinder. However, I don't think this is necessary if you can use any of the above methods. How To StoreFlax meal/ powder can go rancid fairly quickly - whether store-bought or ground at home. They can also be sensitive to heat and sunlight. Because of this, it's often best to grind your seeds in small batches.Flaxseed, even whole flaxseed, are actually best stored in the freezer (up to 1 year). The freezer will help reduce oxidation to the seeds and help maintain their nutrients and the potency of the nutritional values. However, you can also store the seeds in the refrigerator too, to extend the shelf life. Whole flax seeds will last a lot longer, as the seed shells protect the insides of the seeds. In fact, whole seeds can be stored within a cool, dark location for up to a year. However, I prefer to keep some in the freezer at all times. In fact, ground flax seeds can go rancid fairly quickly - if not stored properly. I tend to keep ground flaxseed in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-4 weeks (it can vary) or within the freezer for a few months. Others have found that their seeds go rancid within a couple of weeks - however, studies have been done to show that ground flax seeds can actually be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for ten months without spelling of losing their Omega-3 levels. The key is to just keep an eye on them each time you use some. Flaxseed that has gone rancid will have a bitter smell and taste, rather than their usual nutty, earthy flavor.