<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

My original post asked for suggestions about using white rice to  
clean a flour mill before use.  I wondered whether I should wash the  
rise first, and if so, how to dry it.  Also, I asked if I should be  
concerned about using the rice I had on hand (Mahatma) since they  
also make wheat containing rice mixes in the same facility (not the  
same equipment).

I mentioned that we use our Mahatma rice as filling in tube socks  
that we heat up in the microwave and use like a heating pad.  A  
couple of folks were interested in that and I will give more  
information to anyone else who is interested.  Just ask!

I didn't get many responses, but here is what I learned:

-- One person who uses a Whisper Mill uses only brown Bastamati rice  
and doesn't wash it.  She doubted that  the rice flour we buy is   
from washed rice. She has never had a problem.  She also suggested  
that treated rice might clog the grinder more quickly than plain dry  
rice.  If the grinder clogs, you can take it to a garage and blow it  
out with an air hose to clean it.

-- Another person said she eats the Mahatma rice without problems.  

-- Why not buy some cheap, medium grain rice to use for your grinder?

--  If you grind rice flour for baking, short grain brown rice will  
give better results. Some grains have an inedible outer coating so  
know what you are dealing with in buying grains.

--  As for washing rice, be sure that it is dry before grinding.  
Perhaps you could spread it on a cookie sheet or even use a slightly  
warm oven. It depends a lot on where you are getting your grain as to  
the degress of cleaning needed. There are several companies that sell  
gluten-free grains, but even then be cautious as to where you buy it. 

Thanks everyone!

Jackie in AZ

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