Watch this tool demo video to see how grain, once separated from rest of the plant, was “winnowed” to remove the dust and seed coverings. In the earlier 18th century this would be done using a winnowing basket.

Transcript of movie: After grain was threshed it was “winnowed”- a fanning process to remove the dust and “chaff” or seed coverings. In the earlier 18th century this would be done using a winnowing basket like the one being used by this man. As the seeds are tossed into the air, any cross breezes carry off most of the lighter dust and chaff. By the mid- 18th century hand-cranked “fanning mills” began to replace winnowing baskets. A greater amount of grain could be cleaned faster using these mills. Finally the seeds would be taken to a grist mill to be ground into flour. Filmed at Historic Deerfield.

Note: The account book of Joseph Barnard contains references to winnowing. The reference to winnowing is on page 85b.