A method of milling grain, comprising, prior to milling, heating a quantity of
grain kernels to at least a glass transition onset temperature to form heated softened
grain kernels is disclosed. With this method, it has surprisingly been found that
moisture tempering, in most instances, is no longer required as a conditioning
step for milling. Depending on the temperature to which the grain is heated, the
texture of the grain kernel can be moved to a variety of textures, including, but
not limited to, a more leathery or rubbery texture. In an alternative embodiment,
the heat tempering step is preceded by a moisture tempering step. The method increases
overall yield and improves control of the milling process.
