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Oat Basics
Oats are a good source of fiber which is great for heart health.
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- Compare package sizes for the lowest cost per ounce.
- Bulk oats may cost less than packaged oats.
- Oats should smell faintly sweet or have no smell. Avoid oats that have an unpleasant or musty smell.
Store Well Waste Less
- Store oats in tightly covered containers to keep out moisture and insects.
- Keep in a cool, dark, dry cupboard. Quality is best when used in 3 to 6 months.
- To store for up to a year, package well and keep in the refrigerator or freezer.
Types of Oats
Rolled Oats:
Whole oats are steamed and rolled into flakes.
Old Fashioned
- thick flakes
- has the most texture
- cooks in 5 minutes
Quick Oats
- steamed longer and rolled thinner
- softer texture
- cooks in 1 minute
Instant Oatmeal
- cooked completely, dried, rolled into very thin small flakes
- texture is very soft
- just stir in hot water to prepare
Cut Oats:
Each whole oat is cut into pieces with steel blades.
Steel Cut or Irish oats
- cooks in 20 to 30 minutes
- has a chewy texture
Quick Cooking Steel Cut Oats
- pieces are smaller
- cooks in 5 to 7 minutes
- texture is softer
Scottish Oats
- pieces are very small
- creamy porridge texture
Oat Bran:
The outer coating of the oat grain; very high in fiber.
Oat Flour:
A finely ground, whole-grain flour that can be used in baking and thickening; naturally gluten free if processed separately from wheat.
Cooking with Oats
Savory Oatmeal
Cranberry Oatmeal Balls
Overnight Oatmeal
Kids Can!
When kids help make healthy food, they are more likely to try it. Show kids how to:
- wash veggies under cool running water.
- measure liquid ingredients.
- cut green onions with kitchen scissors.
- grate cheese.