What can we achieve by roasting starchy grains before milling?

Roasting starchy grains enhances their flavour
Toasting or roasting grains produces natural flavours by caramelising their sugars and developing deeper, nutty, roasted notes. This adds complexity and richness to the final product's taste, whether flour, oatmeal or other grain-based foods. Try adding roasted gofio flour to conventional bread flour; you'll see that the bread has a fuller, nuttier flavour.

Roasted Corn

Roasting starchy grains improves their aroma
The toasting process releases aromatic compounds that create a pleasant and enticing aroma. The aroma can make the resulting flour or grain product more tasty and enjoyable. Bread, pancakes or cookies, where you add some gofio to the flour, will develop a completely new and irresistibly inviting aroma.

Roasting starchy grains alters their texture
Toasting or roasting can affect the texture of grains. It can make them slightly more brittle or easier to grind, resulting in a smoother and finer consistency in the flour. Touch our gofio. It is so tender and delicate!

Roasting starchy grains extends their shelf life
The toasting process reduces the moisture content of grains, which can help extend their shelf life. Lower moisture levels reduce the risk of spoilage and mould growth. Gofio can be stored in a well-sealed container for up to two years, and the taste and seductive aroma will be preserved. The ancient inhabitants of the Canary Islands also knew this and extended the durability of their crops in this way.

Roasting starchy grains inactivates enzyme activity
Some grains contain enzymes that can cause rancidity or spoilage. Toasting or roasting can inactivate these enzymes, increasing the stability and shelf life of grains and their products.

Toasted or Roasted Grains

Roasting starchy grains improves digestibility

Toasting or roasting can improve the digestibility of certain grains by breaking down some of the complex carbohydrates and reducing anti-nutritional factors. This can lead to better nutrient absorption and reduced gastrointestinal discomfort. We all know that we cannot consume flour without prior cooking and baking, and the same is true for cereal grains or flakes. Instead of baking and cooking dough made from flour, we can fry the grains in advance and use their flour to prepare dishes without cooking! Try our gofio, which is just that—flour from pre-roasted grains to prepare highly nutritious and easily digestible dishes without cooking.

Roasting starchy grains prepares them for instant meal preparation

Flour from pre-roasted grains can be used to prepare meals immediately without cooking. Gofio flour can be mixed directly into warm milk, yoghurt or water, just like the native Kanarians do, and prepare a nutritious breakfast. However, we can be more imaginative and use gofio flour for desserts, such as a base for no-bake cakes. Pralines with gofio, banana, nuts and chocolate are also excellent, even without baking! Just browse through our recipes, and you will be impressed.

Toasted Corn

However, we must admit that roasted flour loses its elasticity due to the deformation of protein molecules such as gluten. Therefore, in the preparation of sourdough bread, it is only used to add flavour and taste to ordinary flour.

In summary, toasting or roasting grains before milling offers various benefits that enhance the quality and versatility of grain-based products. This process, exemplified by the Canary Islands staple gofio, not only enhances flavour, aroma and texture but also extends shelf life by reducing moisture content. It also deactivates enzymes that can lead to spoilage and improves digestibility by breaking down complex carbohydrates, making it possible to prepare instant meals. Whether enriching the taste of bread or creating enticing flavours in baked goods, this pre-milling technique opens up a world of culinary possibilities, from nutritious breakfasts to delicious desserts. Discover how to enhance your cooking with roasted grains by exploring our wide range of recipes.

Try Viva la Gaia!

At Viva la Gaia, we have prepared oat and corn gofio for you.

Try it! Try one of our recipes for quick preparation of healthy and nutritious dishes.