3 Ways to Grind Flax Seed - wikiHow (2024)

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Co-authored byLyssandra Guerra

Last Updated: December 18, 2022Approved

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   Grind your flaxseed with a flax mill for the easiest, quickest option. A flax mill is a specific appliance similar to a coffee grinder used to grind flaxseed. Take off the lid and pour your seeds into the top with the wide opening. Hold the flax mill over a bowl or plate. Then, simply twist the top clockwise to grind the seeds. You can grind 1 tablespoon (14.8 g) in less than 30 seconds.

   • In addition, you can use a mill to easily top a smoothie or salad with ground flaxseed.
   • If you do not use flaxseed regularly, it may not be cost-effective to invest in this device.
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   Use a spice grinder or pepper mill for an inexpensive option. Remove the top of the spice grinder and pour in about 1-2 tablespoons (14.8-30 g) of flaxseed. Replace the lid and crank the handle for 1-5 minutes until the flaxseed is ground to the desired size.^[1]

   • The ground flaxseed falls neatly out of the bottom, so hold the grinder over your meal or a storage container.
   • This method can be time-consuming, If your hand or wrist gets tired, take a break for 30-60 seconds.

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   Try using a mortar and pestle to finely grind your flaxseed. With this method, you can grind 1 tablespoon (14.8 g) to 1 cup (236.6 g) at a time. Pour the flaxseed into the mortar, which is the bowl-shaped object. Then, swirl the pestle (the hand-held grinding tool) around the mortar to mash up the seeds. Press down on the pestle repeatedly to grind them. Do this consistently for 3-5 minutes until you reach the desired consistency.^[2]

   • Mortar and pestles are commonly made out of marble and stone. The weight of the stone works great to grind seeds.

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   See Also

   on the legality of planting Papaver somniferumSix Ways to Screen and Winnow Seeds - BC Farms & FoodWhat is the oldest spice used for cooking?Eating Poppy Seeds? Here Are the Health Benefits, Nutrition, and Risks

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   Try a coffee grinder for a quick and effective method. Measure 1 cup (236.6 g) or less of seeds at a time, and pour the seeds into the grinder. Use the finest grinding setting to grind your flaxseed for 10-15 seconds. This is an easy way to add nutrients to your meals.^[3]

   • When you are finished, clean your coffee grinder.
   • Do not fill your coffee grinder past the maximum fill line. If you do, you can damage the grinder when you use it.
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   Use a food processor if you don’t need your seeds finely ground up. A food processor can easily grind 1-3 cups (236.6-709.8 g) of flaxseed at a time. Pour your seeds into the food processor, pick the finest grinding setting, and grind your seeds for 5-15 minutes until they are the desired size. As you grind, periodically take off the lid and stir up your flaxseed with a spoon to make them easier to grind it up.^[4]

   • While this works well, it takes significantly longer to grind your flaxseed than other methods.
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   Choose a blender to grind your flaxseed for an easy household solution. Pour about 1 cup (236.6 g) of flaxseed into your blender. You can either use a measuring cup or eyeball this amount. Secure the lid on top, and select the finest grinding setting on your blender. Grind the flaxseed for 3-10 minutes until it is ground to your liking.^[5]

   • After your flaxseed is ground up, you can pour it into a bowl or jar so it is easy to use.

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   Store whole flaxseed at room temperature for up to 1 year. For the cheapest option, purchase whole flaxseed in the bulk section of health and specialty grocery stores. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 1 year, and grind small amounts as you need them.^[6]

   • For maximum freshness, replace your flaxseed every 2-3 months.
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   Transfer your ground flaxseed to an airtight container. After you grind up your flaxseed, put it into a glass Mason jar or a plastic Tupperware container. Secure the lid to ensure air doesn't spoil the seeds.^[7]

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   Keep ground flaxseed in the fridge for up to 7 days. Ground flaxseed is best used immediately to maximize nutrient absorption. However, you can store ground flaxseed in the fridge for several days.^[8]

   • If your ground flaxseed tastes bitter, it is bad and you should throw it away. It typically tastes earthy and nutty.

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