Whole grain oats arrive to the consumer in a variety of forms. To further understand the different types of oatmeal, we need to discuss what steel cut oats are.
Oats begin the process be being hulled to remove the inedible outer shell and separate the oat kernel, or the groat. The groats of whole oats are then chopped into two or three pieces, which is referred to as steel-cut oats, pinhead oats, coarse oatmeal, or Irish oatmeal.
These pieces contain the germ, bran and also the endosperm. Steel cut oats can then be sold under the aforementioned descriptions, or processed even further to make rolled oats or quick oats.
Also known as Irish oats, steel cut oats produce a much chewier cereal. Generally speaking, they are almost exclusively used for breakfast because they really do not soften very well in baked goods.
Why is it called steel cut oats?
Steel-cut oats are also called pinhead oats, coarse oatmeal, or Irish oatmeal. Oat kernels, or groats, are separated from the inedible husk.
The oat groats are then chopped into two or three pinhead-sized pieces. Hence, the name “steel-cut” comes from the steel blades that chop the oat kernels.
The steel cut oats are then further processed to make rolled oats or quick oats. However, they all originate from the oat groats and each just requires an extra step in handling.
What is the difference between steel cut oats and regular?
The difference between steel-cut oats, rolled oats and quick oats is the amount of processing. However its important to realize that both types originate from the groats of whole oats.
- Steel-cut oats are oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces.
- Rolled or old-fashioned oats are made by steaming and rolling oat groats to reduce cooking time.
- Quick or instant oats are steel cut oats that have been chopped into much smaller pieces for faster cooking.
Are steel cut oats supposed to be chewy?
Steel cut oats have a much different texture than the other types of oats. The cooked oat has a bit of chewiness, a little crunch, and is not at all mushy.
The oat should not be served up like cement. Whether it’s water, milk or a non-dairy alternative, there is usually a creamy aspect to the cereal liquid. Either way, there is definitely no gruel being served up in this meal!
Do steel cut oats expand? Steel cut oats expand because they absorb much more than rolled oats. Rolled oats have been steamed, and therefore are par-cooked.
When generating a serving size, rolled oats are the same weight as steel cut oats because they are both dried. However, the volume is different because rolled oats are somewhat swelled.
Can I eat steel cut oats raw?
Most people don’t eat unaltered raw steel-cut oats because the palatability is unfavorable. If raw oats are desired, then adhere to the overnight oats water ratio to improve overall taste, texture and also reduce the phytic acid within the whole grain.
Topping a bowl of yogurt with rolled oats is completely safe, however, soaking is still recommended.
Can steel cut oats be eaten without cooking? The short answer is YES, however, realize that overnight steel cut oats are much chewier than a batch of soaked rolled oats. The texture of uncooked steel cut oats will be substantially different from cooked ones.
Are steel cut oats hard to digest? Raw oats are far harder to digest that cooked oats, hence the reason why overnight oats have become such a huge success.
Soaking improves overall digestion and nutrient absorption, even if you plan on cooking the oats afterwards.
Even though oats are gluten-free, it’s important to note that some people have a hard time digesting oats in any form. They face discomfort similar to gluten-intolerance. Studies have led researchers to believe that oats side effects may be caused by an allergic reaction.
What are the benefits of steel cut oats?
Oats are a powerful food source packed with protein, soluble and insoluble fiber and also a variety of vitamins and minerals.
What makes steel cut oats particularly attractive for breakfast is how the body processes the grain. Because of the size and shape, the body breaks them down much more slowly than rolled oats.
This prevents a spike in blood sugar and also keeps you full more much longer. As a result, this is the reason we tout them as the perfect fuel for your day.
Are steel cut oats better than rolled oats? Because rolled oats have been par-cooked, the natural benefits of steel cut oats outweigh the counterparts.
As a result, steel cut oats contain more available fiber and nutrient density. It’s no wonder why they are one of the healthiest grains you can eat.