A fresh Chakki Atta is a type of whole wheat flour that is ground using traditional stone grinders, known as chakkis. The term “fresh” refers to the fact that the flour is freshly ground and not pre-packaged or stored for long periods of time.
There are several benefits of using fresh Chakki Atta over packaged or pre-ground flour. One of the main benefits is that it is more nutritious, as whole grain flour contains all parts of the grain, including the bran, germ, and endosperm, which provide fiber, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. Fresh Chakki Atta also has a superior taste and texture compared to packaged flour, which can sometimes be denser and have a more bland flavor. Additionally, because the flour is ground fresh, it has a shorter shelf life, which can encourage people to use it more quickly, reducing the risk of spoilage or waste.
Traditional Stone Grinding Method
The traditional method of grinding flour using a stone grinder, also known as a Chakki, is an ancient technique that has been used for centuries in Pakistan and other parts of the world. Here is an overview of the process:
- Cleaning the grains: The first step involves cleaning the grains to remove any impurities, such as dirt, stones, or other foreign particles.
- Soaking the grains: The cleaned grains are then soaked in water for a few hours to soften them and make them easier to grind.
- Drying the grains: Once the grains have been soaked, they are spread out in the sun to dry. This step is important because if the grains are too moist, they will not grind properly.
- Grinding the grains: The dried grains are then placed between the two circular stones of the Chakki. The upper stone, which is called the runner stone, rotates over the lower stone, which is called the bed stone. The grains are crushed and ground into fine flour as the runner stone rotates.
- Sifting the flour: The ground flour is then sifted through a fine mesh to remove any large pieces or impurities that may have been missed during the cleaning process.
Wrap-up
The traditional stone grinding method of making Chakki Atta has several advantages over modern methods using steel roller mills. The stone grinding process preserves the nutritional value of the flour, as it does not generate heat that can cause the loss of vitamins and minerals. The traditional method also produces a pure and natural flour without the use of chemical additives or preservatives. Furthermore, the stone grinding process results in a tastier and more aromatic flour, which is perfect for making traditional breads like roti and naan. While the traditional stone grinding method is more time-consuming and labor-intensive, it is still widely used in many parts of Pakistan due to its many benefits.
When atta is made using the stone grinding method, the fibrous texture is also maintained. Therefore, obtaining soft rotis for long periods of time requires more than just creating rotis from atta, rolling them, and cooking them over gas. It’s also how “atta,” the major component, is produced!
What are you waiting for now that you are aware of what is healthy for you? You may easily buy freshly grated atta through Foods by Mughal’s website by order it online and get your freshly grated atta at your doorstep.