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How Does A Traditional Stone Rice Mill Work To Grind Rice Flour?

Joining a Hoi An cooking class, tourists will have the opportunity to experience local dishes such as making steamed rice pancakes, banh xeo, cao lau, Quang noodles, etc. Among those dishes, there is a steamed rice pancake (banh uot), you will personally grind rice to get flour to make dishes in your cooking class in Cam Thanh coconut village, Tra Que vegetable village…

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Grinding rice into fine flour with a traditional stone mill is an ancient practice that is still relevant in many cultures. This manual grinding method preserves the texture, flavor, and nutritional value of rice while producing high-quality flour for many different dishes. Here is an in-depth look at how a traditional stone mill works.

1. Structure and components of a stone mill

A traditional stone mill usually consists of two round stone slabs stacked on top of each other. The main components include:

• Upper Stone (Rotating Stone): The upper stone has a hole in the middle to pour the soaked rice and a wooden handle for manual rotation.
• Bottom Stone (Base Stone): The fixed bottom stone has grooves or patterns that aid in grinding.
• Central shaft: Helps align the stones and facilitates a fine grinding motion.
• Exit groove: Allows finely ground rice powder to exit the grinder.

2. Preparation before grinding

Before using a stone grinder, proper preparation is important to ensure smooth grinding:

• Soaking the rice: The rice grains are soaked in water for several hours to soften them, making the grinding process more efficient.
• Cleaning the grinder: The stone surface is cleaned to remove any previous residue and prevent contamination.
• Setting the grinder: The stones are properly aligned, and the grinder is placed on a stable surface.

3. Grinding Process

Step 1: Pouring Rice

The soaked rice is gradually poured into the center hole of the top stone. Pour in small amounts at a time to maintain a consistent grinding speed.

Step 2: Rotating the Top Stone

A wooden handle attached to the top stone manually rotates it. As the stone rotates, it crushes the rice grains into the grooves of the bottom stone, gradually grinding them into a smooth paste.

Step 3: Collecting the Rice Powder

The ground rice powder flows out through the drain, usually collected in a clay or wooden bowl. The final product is a fine rice powder, perfect for making traditional rice dishes such as rice cakes, noodles, or steamed pancakes.

4. Advantages of Using a Stone Mill

• Preserves Nutritional Value: Unlike high-speed industrial grinders, traditional stone mills retain the natural nutrients of rice.
• Maintain authentic flavor and texture: The slow manual grinding process enhances the flavor and consistency of the powder.
• Eco-friendly and durable: Stone mills do not require electricity and can be used for generations if properly maintained.

5. Maintenance and care

To ensure durability and efficiency, stone mills need regular maintenance:

• Clean after each use: Rinse the stone and let it dry to avoid mold formation.
• Sharpen the grinding surface: Over time, the grooves of the stone can wear out, requiring re-engraving to maintain efficiency.
• Store in a dry place: Avoid moisture build-up to prevent damage to the stone.

The traditional stone mill remains an invaluable tool for grinding rice flour, especially in cultures that value natural, manual food preparation. While modern machinery offers convenience, the authenticity and quality achieved through stone grinding continue to make this method the preferred choice for many households and artisan food producers.