What Are Oats?
Oats are a cereal grain that has been grown and eaten for thousands of years. We don’t know precisely where they originated, but there is a pretty good chance it was in what is known as the Fertile Crescent region of the Middle East around 2,000 to 3,000 BCE. Archaeological evidence suggests that oats were initially used mainly as animal fodder, but over time, their nutritional value and easy use in cooking led to their incorporation into human diets. Oats start as groats, the seed of a cereal grain. They’re usually roasted to make them more shelf-stable and to give them a toasty flavor. They are then processed in a number of ways. It is the type of processing that produces the 8 basic types of oats
Types Of Oats
There are 8 different types of oats, or perhaps more accurately, there are 8 different ways to process oats. From the least to most heavily processed, these different oats are:
Whole Oat Groats
What Are They? These are the whole kernels of oats and the least processed form of oats, as they keep their bran, germ, and endosperm layers. After they are harvested, the outer husk, also called the hull, is removed through a process imaginatively called de-hulling. The resulting oat groats are the whole, unbroken oat kernels. Texture & Flavor: Because they are so minimally processed, oat groats have a distinct texture and flavor. They are coarser and a bit nuttier than the more refined rolled or instant oats. Cooking Method: Whole oat groats require more water and longer cooking time than processed oats. Here’s a basic stove-top cooking method: Some people soak their groats overnight to reduce cooking time. You can also cook oat groats more quickly in a pressure cooker or slow cooker.
Steel Cut Oats
What Are They? Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are a type of whole oat groats that have been chopped into small pieces using steel blades, hence the name. This process requires substantially less processing than rolled or instant oats and helps them retain their nutty flavor and hearty texture. Texture & Flavor: Cutting turns the oats into chunks that look almost like rice. Because the oats are larger than in other forms, they take longer to cook and have a coarse, chewy texture. Cooking Method: In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 cup of oats and reduce to LOW heat. Cover the pot and cook the oats uncovered for 15-20 minutes before taking them off the stove and covering the pot. Let them sit for a few minutes before serving or using them in another recipe. You can also use your Instant Pot or Crockpot for great oats like in these Crock pot butternut squash steel cut oats. Toppings: Steel-cut oats have a nutty flavor that pairs well with many different toppings and mix-ins. You might consider fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, maple syrup, yogurt, and spices like cinnamon. Steel-cut oats are also a great option for homemade granola.
Scottish Oats
What Are They? Scottish oats are not as popular in the USA as other oats, and you may see them sold as stone-ground oats. The name comes from how the whole oat groats are passed through a set of large millstones. This sounds very much like one would imagine the milling of oats in medieval Europe, and it is close except that the conditions are pretty clean, and the millstones are made of granite or quartz. The stones crush the groats into very small pieces. Texture & Flavor: Stone-ground oats have a coarser texture compared to instant or rolled oats, as the milling process doesn’t break down the groats as extensively. This results in oats with a slightly chewy texture, which some people find more satisfying. Cooking Method: In a medium pot, bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then add 1 cup of oats and reduce the heat to LOW. Let the oats cook for 10-15 minutes uncovered. We give a range so you can let the oats get to your desired consistency before removing them from the heat and letting them sit covered for a few minutes before serving. Toppings & Serving: Like other oats, you can customize stone-ground oats by adding all sorts of toppings like fruits, nuts, seeds, honey, or spices. Scottish oats are the go to type for any traditional porridge recipe, and what else do you do with Scottish oats? Well how about a Scottish Haggis.
Rolled Oats
What Are They? Rolled oats are also known as old-fashioned oats and are very popular in the USA. The groats are cleaned and then hulled to remove the outer husk. They are then lightly steamed to make them more pliable and easier to flatten before passing through large rollers that flatten them into flakes. Texture & Flavor: Once cooked, these oats have a chewy texture that varies with how long they cook. They are slightly nutty oats that go well with many toppings and mix-ins. Cooking Method: In a medium pot, bring 2 cups of water to a boil, then add 1 cup of oats. Immediately reduce to LOW heat and let the oats cook for about 10 minutes uncovered, stirring occasionally. We say “about 10 minutes” because you should cook them until they reach your desired consistency. Once they are as you want them, remove them from heat and let them sit covered for a few minutes before serving. Uses: Rolled oats are great for much more than breakfast. They can be used in a variety of recipes, including healthy cookies, granola bars, and oat smoothies.
Quick Oats
What Are They? These are whole oat groats that are steamed and then rolled into thin flakes. This allows them to cook more quickly than other oats (well, not as quickly as instant oats). Texture & Flavor: Quick oats have a finer texture and thinner flakes than standard rolled oats. This allows them to cook more quickly and gives them a softer, smoother texture. Some people, however, think they are too mushy and should probably stick with rolled oats. Cooking Method: Cooking quick oats is very easy, and there are several methods.
Instant Oats
What Are They? Instant oats have been processed to make them the fastest-cooking option among commercially sold oats. They are steamed and then rolled into thin flakes before being cut into still smaller pieces. Rolling and cutting increase the surface area of the oats, which allows them to absorb milk or water more quickly and cook faster. Texture & Flavor: Instant oats have a much finer texture than rolled oats or even quick oats, but they are also softer and less chewy after cooking. Some people prefer this smoother texture, while others don’t care for this “mushy” oatmeal. They have a milder flavor than steel-cut oats and generally come pre-flavored. Cooking Method: Put ⅓ cups of oats in a bowl with ⅔ cups of water or ½ cups of oats with 1 cup of water and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes. Or, just follow the directions on the box. Remember that instant oats are already partially cooked during processing, requiring less cooking time than traditional rolled oats or steel-cut oats. Other Uses: They are a great option for a quick coffee smoothie while you make oatmeal for the kids’ breakfast. You can also amp up the nutrition in your oatmeal with a bowl of egg white oatmeal.
Oat Bran
What Is It? Oat bran is the outer layer of the oat kernel and consists of the bran, endosperm, and germ. In some forms of oats this is removed in processing. Oat bran simply takes advantage of this byproduct. Texture & Flavor: Oat bran has a coarse and gritty texture with a nutty and slightly sweet flavor. What to Do with Oat Bran When cooking with oat bran, it’s important to consider how absorbent it is. It will quickly thicken liquids, so add it, test, and add more.
Oat Flour
What Is It? Oat flour is made by grinding whole oats. The outer husk is removed and the inner oat groat is ground into a flour-like consistency. This flour can be used as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. Texture & Flavor: Oat flour is very fine and has a mild nutty flavor. It is a bit denser than wheat flour, but can still often be used as a substitute. What to Do with Oat Flour: Oat flour can be used in a variety of recipes and is especially good for those looking for gluten-free alternatives.
Baking: Use it to make gluten-free cookies, muffins, or pancakes. Thickening: Like oat bran, oat flour can thicken soups, stews, and sauces. Smoothies: Put a couple of tablespoons of oat flour into your smoothies to increase their fiber and nutrient content. It will also give your smoothie a slightly more creamy texture. Double Win! Homemade Oat Milk: Oat flour can be blended with water to create oat milk, a popular dairy-free alternative. Our recipe for homemade oat milk can also be made with rolled oats!
When using oat flour in recipes, it’s important to consider that it has a slightly different texture and binding properties than traditional wheat flour. Experimentation and adjustment might be needed to achieve the desired results. That wraps up our look at different types of oats. We hope you found this article helpful, and as always happy cooking from your friends at Live Eat Learn!
