Revitalizing Baking with Ancient Grains and Freshly Milled Flours: A Collaborative Approach
Cultivating the Future: The Synergy of Grain, Mill, and Oven<\/h2>A Confluence of Minds: Bridging the Gap from Field to Table<\/h3>
A significant workshop and conference recently convened in Edmonton, Canada, uniting agricultural producers, grain processors, and culinary artisans. Organized by the Baking Association of Canada at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT), this day-long event provided a rare platform for these diverse stakeholders to exchange knowledge and perspectives on the cultivation and utilization of ancient and heritage grains in their freshly milled forms. The assembly aimed to deepen the understanding of the entire supply chain, fostering a more integrated approach to baking.<\/p>
The Art of Fermentation: Unlocking Flavor and Nutrition in Freshly Milled Grains<\/h3>
The workshop commenced with the enticing aroma of freshly baked goods, including inventive strawberry-striped croissants and potato-flour cinnamon rolls, all crafted by Alan Dumonceaux, NAIT's academic chair of baking and pastry arts. Dumonceaux, also a leading expert for Skills Canada in sourdough, conducted an extensive practical session on various preferments. Participants delved into the nuances of different yeast-based and non-yeast preferments, such as biga, sponge, poolish, and levains. Over two and a half hours, he demonstrated how these starters enhance the flavor and nutritional profile of doughs, a key interest for contemporary consumers. Attendees engaged in hands-on activities, working with doughs made from freshly milled flours from local sources like Gold Forest Grains and Midmore Farms, gaining practical experience in folding, stretching, and shaping.<\/p>
From Dough to Delight: The Culmination of Culinary Craftsmanship<\/h3>
Following the intensive dough-working session, participants labeled their creations before they were expertly baked in a large Bongard oven. The process, monitored by Dumonceaux and his student team, filled the air with an aromatic promise. The freshly baked loaves, once cooled, were prepared for the participants to take home, a tangible result of their day's learning. The culinary journey continued with an impromptu pizza-making session, where attendees stretched and topped their doughs, baking them in a high-temperature dome oven. This informal lunch provided a relaxed setting for participants to connect, many praising the exceptional quality of the pizzas.<\/p>
Navigating the Market: Insights into Contemporary Consumer Preferences<\/h3>
The afternoon session featured Reid McEachran, Associate Marketing Director at Ardent Mills, who presented key findings from their 'Trend to Table' report, highlighting prevalent consumer trends. He emphasized the growing appreciation for 'heritage' in food, where consumers seek new cultural experiences through diverse flavors and culinary forms. This trend encourages bakeries to diversify their offerings to capture a broader audience. McEachran also noted the increasing consumer belief in the health benefits of grain-based foods, with many actively seeking to incorporate more into their diets. He underscored the importance of 'adding with intent' – enriching products with beneficial ingredients like sprouted powders – and 'desire to do good,' which reflects consumer interest in supporting businesses committed to environmental and social governance, including organic and regenerative farming practices.<\/p>
Advancing Grain Science: Research and Support for the Baking Community<\/h3>
Dr. Michael Gänzle, a professor and Canada Research Chair in food microbiology at the University of Alberta, shared his groundbreaking research on sourdough fermentation and its impact on bread quality, particularly in achieving 'clean-label' products. He clarified the multifaceted meaning of 'sourdough' and discussed how fermentation can reduce the need for numerous additives, aiming for simpler ingredient lists. Dr. Gänzle detailed the scientific challenges, such as lipid oxidation in whole-wheat flour, and how ongoing research is addressing these complexities. Additionally, Krista Zuzak from Cereals Canada outlined her organization's role in supporting the Canadian cereals value chain, including the 'Keep It Clean' program and 'What About Wheat?' campaign, which promote high-quality Canadian wheat and sustainable agricultural practices.<\/p>
Fostering Innovation: Resources for Aspiring Bakers and Entrepreneurs<\/h3>
Pere Ramel, a food scientist from the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation, introduced the Alberta Food Centre, a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to product development for food entrepreneurs. He highlighted the center’s capabilities, including analytical services, temporary processing facilities, and business development support, designed to assist startups in refining their products before scaling up. The center is equipped with specialized milling and processing equipment, serving as a partner for innovation in the food industry.<\/p>
The Panel Dialogue: Confronting Challenges and Seizing Opportunities in Artisanal Baking<\/h3>
The summit concluded with a dynamic panel discussion, moderated by Martin Barnett of the BAC, bringing together farmers, millers, and bakers, including Ward Middleton, Cindy Kozak, Wendy Neudorf, Kevin Pettersen, Austin Hohn, and Christian Redois. They discussed the benefits, challenges, and opportunities of working with sustainable, freshly milled flours. Topics ranged from seed regulation changes affecting farmers, with Middleton noting the shift towards private seed development and the implications for organic farming. Redois, a baker, shared his challenges in introducing whole-grain breads to consumers accustomed to white loaves and the complexities of fermenting fresh-milled grains. Millers Kozak, Neudorf, and Pettersen discussed their passion for stone milling, highlighting its benefits for nutrient preservation and texture, and their experiences in educating consumers about the value of artisanal flours. Hohn provided insights into large-scale milling, emphasizing the industry's drive for consistency amid the clean-label trend. The diverse perspectives underscored both the complexities and the immense potential in the evolving landscape of grain and baking.<\/p