A processing method and an apparatus for producing ethanol that reduces
the number of separation steps to the maximum extent possible and
simplifies the production configuration while enabling the grits,
pericarp and germ to be extracted with ease. The method includes a
tempering step of wetting corn grains with a certain amount of water, a
dehulling step of dehulling the corn grains while maintaining their shape
without breaking the wetted grains, a pulverization step of pulverizing
the dehulled corn grains into pieces, a separation step of separating
grits and bran from the broken pieces, and a milling step of further
milling the separated grits.