Hi All. I would like to post this as a follow on from http://weightloss-slim.fit/node/17559/flours-ireland%3C/a%3E - as it's now over 3 years since the last comment was posted there I wouldn't imagine that that thread would attract much traffic nowadays. So here goes.
Not sure how much this has changed since 2008 or even 2010 when the last comment was posted in the aforementioned thread, but in my local health store here in Greystones, Co. Wicklow they now sell a number of products from "Doves Farm" and from "Marriage's".
While I'm quite happy with those products my wife pointed out that both of these brands are British. She would much prefer it if I could use Irish produce instead. I'm sure there may be a bit of national pride at work here, but that aside there is merit in trying to support local business. IF there is local business producing the kind of quality I'm looking for, that is...
Is there? Since 2010, has anyone started producing and selling high quality, high protein, strong flour in Ireland, and if so, where are their outlets? Not here in my local health store, sadly ...
Having had bad experiences with my first starter I'd like to steer clear from the big brand names such as "Odlums". No offense....
Irish wheat production is explained here:
http://oklahomafarmreport.com/wire/news/2012/02/00077_OALPJohnSpinkTegasc02222012b_000603.php
Teagasc Site: http://www.teagasc.ie/
Let us know what you learn about your local situation. Cereal production and milling around the world is a fascinating subject - and one of the more important subjects for bread builders everywhere...,
Wild-Yeast
Pity. I guess it's the local climate conspiring against us... There is a mention of "spring wheat" but nothing about who grows it and produces it, so I suspect that that wheat may be all going to Odlums....
I wonder whether anybody imports strong flour from anywhere other than the UK. That might go some way toward placating the missus....
A Google search using "stoneground artisan milled Ireland" produced, amongst others, this:
http://www.kellswholemeal.ie/aboutus.html
Their mill is down in County Kilkenny [Contae Chill Chainnigh] near the River Nore.
Hope this helps...,
Wild-Yeast
Your Google-Fu is putting this grasshopper's to shame, Wild-Yeast Sensei... :-)
Excellent. I'll go and check them out.
Well, borrowing from your skillz I did a bit of googling myself and found a few more mills:
Ballyminane Mills
Martry Mill
Waltons Mill Macroom
I've contacted Kells Wholemeal and these three mills asking whether they produce any high protein flours, and if they do, whether they supply to any retailers near me. Fingers crossed...