Then, to cook the Irish oatmeal, those cereal grains are cooked over the stove, and result in oatmeal that has a texture like porridge. This creates finely-ground oats with a texture coarser than flour. Both are the whole oat that is steamed and rolled flat, the difference is how thick the flake is. This is because while oats themselves are gluten-free, they’re often processed in facilities that also process gluten, and contamination can occur. All of these are considered 100% whole grain (with the exception of oat bran). But hey, both steel-cut and rolled oats are a whole grain with a solid amount of grams of protein per half-cup serving. Steel-cut oats have been in the spotlight lately, but are they actually healthier than traditional rolled oats?Before you get wrapped up in the hype, know that either are a fantastic breakfast option, and both come from the same starting point. However, they’re known as quick-cooking oats for a reason: they can be made in about a minute, making them a convenient breakfast or snack. Whole oats are the uncut, unsteamed, unrolled oat groat. Since many of our recipes feature this heart-healthy super grain, let’s break down all of our oat options. All forms of oats – from whole to rolled to flour – are considered whole grain, which means they contain the same proportion of bran, germ, and endosperm as the oat kernel.” “The soluble fiber in oats that has been shown to lower blood cholesterol is the very ingredient that gives body, smooth texture, and a beautiful sheen to soups. Beta-glucan is found in the cell walls of plants, like oats and barley. Let’s compare them by the way the grain is processed and how it cooks. Pretty cool, right? One of the most common options available today is the rolled oats, which are the whole grain that has been steamed pressed with steel rollers. What about steel-cut oats? Known in their whole form as “groats,” both have been separated from their hard outer “hull” to become oats. Available in thinner sizes, these old fashioned oats lower the cooking time and provide a smooth texture. First off, whole grains or kernels contain three parts: The bran, germ, and endosperm: • The bran, or the most outer-layered skin, is completely edible and rich in fiber, B vitamins, and antioxidants. What do they all mean? Since many of our recipes feature this heart-healthy super grain, let’s break down all of our oat options. As they are made from unprocessed, whole grains, whole oats have a round, slightly bulbous texture. So many oats, so little time. Both whole and rolled oats can be used in cooking, although rolled oats have a softer texture. Oats begin as oat groats, which is the whole, unbroken grain with the outer husk removed. Gently simmer the oats until they are softened and have expanded, about 45 minutes to fully cook. While there’s several varieties of oatmeal, they all come from the same plant. These oats are processed by chopping the whole grain up (or groat) into smaller pieces, not rolled. OK, are steel-cut oats really worth it? Quick-cooking oats have far less taste and texture to remark on, because they’re designed for the convenience of their cooking time, rather than flavor. Old-fashioned oats, instant, rolled, steel-cut, quick, müesli, ground, steamed, Scottish, Irish? If you’re trying to eat less gluten or on a gluten-free diet for health reasons, you can probably continue to buy regular oats without too much trouble. Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Oats are a grain from the cereal family; their cousins are barley and wheat. These are oats that are cut thinly so that they can be cooked within about five minutes. Rolled oats cook faster than steel-cut oats, absorb more liquid, and hold their shape relatively well during cooking. This prevents your body from dreaded sugar spikes (and crashes). We say taste them for yourself! … Steel-cut oats are made when, you guessed it, the oat groats are cut through two or three times with a steel blade. Wheat is included on the list of the world’s most famous staple foods, as it has a high nutrition value and a low price, and gives a lot of options for cooking. All oats start off as oat groats, which are the whole, unbroken grains. Make sure, the pack you go for has gone through some process. Whole grain oats are a good source of carbohydrates, fiber and protein. Here are the key differences between rolled, steel-cut and quick oats. While the nutritional value looks pretty similar, from grams of protein to grams of carbs, one key fact is that steel-cut oats are less processed, since they are never flattened by heat or pressure. But is this really true? Speaking of processing, we have some important information about oats’ gluten content: They don’t have any! Also called old-fashioned or whole oats, rolled oats look like flat, irregularly round, slightly textured discs. So many oats, so little time. The whole groat contains the oat bran and germ, which are packed with nutritional value. © Anytime Fitness LLC 2020. The shape and size of the oats make for a longer cook time (about 15-20 Minutes), and in the end, have a completely different taste and texture. Then, it binds to some of the cholesterol in your … And while oatmeal may not carry the superfood appeal that quinoa or teff does, maybe that’s not such a bad thing. From that whole oat groat, the sorting begins. When old-fashioned oats are cut into smaller pieces, that’s where we get instant oats, also known as quick-cooking oats. The oat kernel grows up inside a tough husk or “hull” which is later shucked. Because they’re in smaller pieces, instant oats lose some of the fiber that old-fashioned oats offer. Steel-Cut, Rolled and Quick Oats, The Kitchn: How to Cook Steel-Cut Oats in 30 Minutes, Bob's Red Mill: Organic Regular Rolled Oats, Good Housekeeping: 7 Healthy Granola Bar Recipes, Bob's Red Mill: Basic Cooking Instructions for Old Fashioned Oats. Rolled oats are a type of lightly processed whole-grain food. What is the difference between oats and wheat? Some groats are flattened/rolled into flakes and steamed. Enhance plain porridge with sugar, honey, maple syrup or fresh fruit. Whole oats, because they are chewier than rolled oats, are ideal for adding bulk to vegetarian burgers or in heftier baked goods, such as breads or biscuits. Types of oats are named for the way they are prepared before being dried and sold. Not only do you feel fuller longer, your glycemic index will thank you. Irish oatmeal is considered the primary type of oats in the United Kingdom, but it’s less common here in the U.S., which is why we’re focusing on steel-cut, quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats. Various forms of oatmeal, such as rolled and quick oats, are processed from steel cut oats. You’ll find that there are very few major differences between steel-cut oats and rolled. Oat has more thiamin, however, whole wheat flour contains more niacin. This prevents your body from dreaded sugar spikes (and crashes). The thicker the flake, the longer it will take to cook (but not by much). Steel cut oats are the texture of a grain like rice or barley, so they require much more cooking than rolled oats. The amount of liquid you use to cook them are also different. Between people looking to get the most out of their oatmeal, there’s a hot debate about which type of oatmeal is best. Nutritionally, steel cut oats and rolled oats are the same. However, there are some differences in texture between steel cut vs. rolled oats. There are a wide variety of oatmeal options which may keep you baffling for the right one. But if this type of oats sounds like something you’d like to try, you can find them at most U.S. grocery stores. Not many foods can move mountains like oats can! So even though all different types of oatmeal are made from whole grain oats, the difference is in how they’re processed. Because rolled oats are presteamed and flattened, they cook much more quickly than whole oats. From rolled oats to steel-cut oats to Scottish oats, oatmeal is a nutrient-dense whole grain (an ancient whole grain!) There are many types of oats out there from rolled oats to oat groats to instant oats. So even though all different types of oatmeal are made from whole grain oats, the difference is in how they’re processed. This is how we get rolled oats, otherwise known as old-fashioned oats. Old-fashioned oats, instant, rolled, steel-cut, quick, müesli, ground, steamed, Scottish, Irish?What do they all mean? No matter which of the different types of oatmeal you choose, know that you’re getting great health benefits from his whole grain hot cereal! Commonly, it comes filled with rolled grains and can be eaten hot, cold (with milk or yogurt), or by itself. Oats are a whole grain selection, which is packed with fiber and nutrients, making it a classic breakfast option. Because they’re in smaller pieces, instant oats lose some of the fiber that old-fashioned oats offer. A serving of rolled oats can be prepared in about 10 minutes. This creates finely-ground oats with a texture coarser than flour. While whole oats, have a nuttier taste and a chewier texture, cooked rolled oats are very soft and mush easily. They are medium-small in size and cook more quickly than whole oats. Substitute rolled oats, which cook quickly and have a more delicate texture and taste, for flour or bread crumbs in recipes for meatballs or meatloaf. Rolled oats contain 63mg magnesium, 180mg phosphorus and 164mg potassium. Oats are a grain from the cereal family; their cousins are barley and wheat. From that whole oat groat, the sorting begins. Grain mixes, also referred to as fortified feeds or commercial mixes, essentially do the entire nutrient mixing for you. Before you get wrapped up in the hype, know that either are a fantastic breakfast option, and both come from the same starting point. Rolled oats, meanwhile, are steel cut oats that have been steamed and rolled flat. She has an active interest in wine, fine dining and sustainable agriculture. Add them to cookies or meatloaf, or eat them on their own. Organic farming methods are markedly different from conventional growing methods, and according to a research review published in 2014 in the "British Journal of Nutrition," organic crops may also contain higher antioxidant concentrations (see Ref 1). People, Purpose, Profits, Play® Add oats to baked goods, such as breads, muffins or cookies, to provide bulk and a nutty flavor and chewy texture. that’s widely available, affordable, and easy to cook. Rachel has worked professionally as a chef and writer on food since 2010. The nutrition stays the same (these are all whole grains) but the texture changes – a plus for some people and a drawback for others. However, they’re known as quick-cooking oats for a reason: they can be made in about a minute, making them a convenient breakfast or snack. Oats refers to whole oats, which are cylindrical and unprocessed. As a whole grain, oats are nutritious, and add bulk and richness to many foods. Steel-cut oats are made when, you guessed it, the oat groats are cut through two or three times with a steel blade. Because whole oat groats are large, they take longer to cook through. Traditionally, they are made from oat groats that have been dehusked and steamed, before being rolled into flat flakes under heavy rollers and then stabilized by being lightly toasted.. Thick-rolled oats are large whole flakes, and thin-rolled oats are smaller, fragmented flakes. Do not substitute rolled oats in a recipe that calls for steel cut oats, and vice versa. From that whole oat groat, the sorting begins. They remain somewhat chewy and have a coarse and chunky consistency, making the eating experience much different than a bowl of rolled oats. All rights reserved. Irish oatmeal is considered the primary type of oats in the United Kingdom, but it’s less common here in the U.S., which is why we’re focusing on steel-cut, quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats. But speaking of convenience, you’ll want to watch out for packets of quick-cooking or instant oatmeal, which can have as much sugar as some breakfast cereals!What about steel-cut oats? Some groats are flattened/rolled into flakes and steamed. The nutritional profile of the different oats is essentially the same whether they are left whole, cut, rolled, or ground. But if this type of oats sounds like something you’d like to try, you can find them at most U.S. grocery stores. Steel cut oats are coarser, smaller and tougher than rolled oats. Furthermore, rolled oats cook much faster than steel cut oats because they have been partially cooked with steam. Steel-cut oats take a bit more time to digest, taking longer to convert to sugar. Oat is a great source of calcium. But they’re definitely nice to have on-hand in a pinch! Just be wary of all of the sugar added to quick-cooking oatmeal packets. Some steel-cut lovers suggest soaking them overnight or making them in your crockpot! The longer the oats are cooked for, the more uniform and soft the texture. The steel-cut oats are not processed with the help of rolling the whole oats. Steel-cut oats take a bit more time to digest, taking longer to convert to sugar. When processed, the whole grains of oats are first steamed to make them soft and pliable, then pressed to flatten them. The whole groat contains the oat bran and germ, which are packed with nutritional value. That processing difference is what gives the different types of oatmeal different textures.You might have also heard of Scottish oats, also known as Irish oatmeal. One major difference between the two is actually in the texture and taste: steel-cut oats tend to have a chewier texture and nuttier flavor than rolled. Or include uncooked oats in homemade granola bars. Prepare a 2-to-1 ratio of liquid to oats in a pan, then bring the mixture to a rolling boil for five minutes before lowering the heat. Oats are naturally gluten-free. Once the hull is shucked, you’re left with the oat groat. If you roll the oat flakes thinner, and/or steam them longer, you create quick oats and ultimately instant oats. 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