Does ground flaxseed have the consistency of flour?

Question

because the kind I saw at GNC looked like little disc shapes. what is it supposed to look like and what is the really good stuff and where do I buy it? sorry for all the questions.

Answer 1

The little disks are the seeds themselves; they look like little brown pumpkin seeds.

The flour can be ground as fine as you like.  It has a strong flavor, kind of nutty with an oily taste (linseed oil is from flax).

I'm allergic to it, btw, which is a shame because it's a good-quality grain and I like the flavor.  

Answer 2

Adding a bit to the replies above: It is definitely best to buy the whole seeds and grind your own in small amounts as you need it.  But if you have to buy pre-ground flax seed, make sure that you keep it in a dark airtight container in the fridge, and use it fairly quickly, as it has a tendency to go rancid otherwise.

Answer 3

"does ground flaxseed have the consistency of flour"

Not really... at least not any of the brands I've seen/used.  The consistency is more like sand, but I guess if you had a way to grind it further you might get it to a flour consistency.

"what is the really good stuff"

Grinding your own in a coffee (or other) grinder.  Some people believe that flax seeds lose their nutritional content a while after they are ground, so its best to grind them yourself for immediate use.

"where do I buy it?"

Most grocery/health stores carry it.  Even Wal-Mart has ground flax seed (you'll find it in grocery stores near the baking isle with flour, yeast, etc.).

Answer 4

It's really a seed and it has a much moister consistency than flour does. It works well when it is incorporated into bread dough, or as a supplement sprinkled onto your cereal in the morning. All you need to do is buy the seeds from the bulk store and when you need to use them you just run them a bit at a time as needed into an electric coffee grinder for approximately 10 - 15 seconds, depending on how fine you like it. They are extremely nutritious. Enjoy!