What are oat groats?

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I just love how the sound of oat groats simply flows of your tongue and it’s actually cute how the words rhyme together. Let’s dive into understanding the basics of what oat groats actually are.

Oats are a gluten-free whole grain that is rich in antioxidants, dietary fiber and an assortment of vitamins and minerals. There are a number of reasons to incorporate oats into a well balanced diet.

What is the difference between oats and oat groats?

Some grains are known as berries, but oats are referred to groats, or the de-hulled oat grain. Groats are the husked oat kernel, which include the cereal germ, the bran and the endosperm of the grain.

Groats are milled to remove the outer husk, and therefore, are the most intact form of the grain. They are packed with dietary fiber and are extremely nutritious.

Are oat groats good for you?

Oat groats are a fantastic source of dietary fiber, both soluble and insoluble. In addition, they contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, several different B-vitamins, vitamin E, and trace minerals such as manganese, copper, iron, phosphorus, selenium and zinc.

It’s fair to say that with all the positives, occasionally you face the negatives. Research has concluded that some people encounter oats side effects when eaten, which may be caused by an allergic reaction to the avenin protein within the grain.

Are oat groats better than steel cut oats?

Oats are high in soluble fiber, which makes them extra creamy when cooked. There is a slight difference between steel-cut, rolled and quick oats; however, they all come from the same cereal grain.

Oat groats are the whole kernel that is removed from the husk or hull. Steel cut oats and the whole oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces. Cutting the grain reduces the cooking time, but doesn’t reduce the overall taste or nutritional value.

Steel-cut oats have a wonderful chewiness that has a tendency to surprise many people who have disavowed oatmeal in the past. It’s definitely not mushy gruel!

What do oat groats taste like?

Oat groats taste a bit nutty, almost like browned butter. They have a semi sweet flavor in a wholesome comfort food kind of way.

Soak them overnight to accelerate the cooking process, but that is not totally necessary. However, the texture remains quite chewy after being cooked.

They require longer cooking times to become tender. As a result, oat groats are best used in pilafs, porridges and stews.

How do you store oat groats?

Oat groats are rich in antioxidants, which make them a good storing grain. Learn how to store oatmeal to properly preserve nutrition and successfully extend the shelf life.

For the best storage conditions, pack them in airtight containers, use oxygen absorbers to remove moisture, and also store them in a cool, dark and dry place.

Reducing oxygen and moisture helps to preserve the nutritional integrity of the grain, and also prevents unwanted sprouting. In addition, use proper pest control methods to prevent insects and rodents from entering the storage containers.

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