Types of Oats and Oatmeal
Oat groats: Oats that have been cleaned, toasted, hulled, and cleaned again. They take a long time to cook and are rather chewy. You can reduce the cooking time by rolling or pounding them.Rolled Oats: Oat groats that are steamed, pressed with a roller, then dried. Rolled oats are also known as old-fashioned oats. These will take about 15 minutes to cook.
Quick-cooking oats: Rolled oats have been cut into smaller pieces and rolled thinner, thus they cook more quickly (about 5 minutes). Instant oatmeal: Oatmeal that has been pre-cooked and dried. These days, instant oatmeal usually comes with flavor additives. Do not use in place of rolled or quick-cooking oatmeal.
Oat flour: Comes from ground oat groats and contains no gluten (gluten-free). Oat flour contains natural antioxidants that can actually prolong the shelf-life of baked goods. It is usually available at health food stores.
Oat bran: The outer coating of the oat grain which is even higher in fiber. Also usually available at health food stores.
Steel-cut oats or Scotch oats: Unrolled oats which have been cut into 2 or 3 pieces. Even with extended cooking time, they are quite chewy in texture. These are often used as a savory side dish.
More About Oats, Oatmeal, and Oatmeal Recipes
• Oatmeal Types and Varieties• FAQ: What is oatmeal?
• Oatmeal Storage, Cooking Tips, and Equivalents
• Oatmeal Recipes
Oatmeal Photo © 2007 Peggy Trowbridge Filippone, licensed to About.com, Inc.
Cookbooks
| • | Amazing Grains |
| • | The New Book of Whole Grains |
| • | 366 Delicious Ways to Cook Rice, Beans, and Grains |
| • | Mediterranean Grains and Greens |
| • | More Cookbooks |
