Oats are a wonderful option to add to your everyday meal plans because of a large number of reasons including the rich fiber content, the high nutritional value, and the affordability. It is often a common part of healthy meal prep plans of many people because of the incredible health benefits it provides. Oats can be beneficial for reducing body weight, lowering cholesterol levels, improving blood sugar control, fighting oxidative damage, preventing constipation, etc. Therefore, this plant-based food can be an excellent addition to your healthy diet.
There are different types of oats available in the market and you have to be aware of them for knowing which option can be ideal for you. Hence, we list some of the commonly available forms of oats for your knowledge. They vary from the least processed forms to the most processed forms.
OatGroats
This form of oats, which is also known as oat berries, is the whole-grain oats. It has undergone the least processing, as it is just hulled and cleaned. This type of oats carries the highest nutritional value, as it contains the germ, bran, and endosperm. Hence, it will be high in fiber along with a wide array of other nutrients.
However, oat groats will have to be cooked for almost 50-60 minutes, which makes it the form of oats with the longest cooking time. The chewy texture and the slightly nutty flavor it carries make this oat a great option to include in savory applications such as side dishes, stews, soups, grain bowls, etc.
Steel-Cut Oats
Steel-cut oats (also known as Irish oats) include the oat groats that have been cut into smaller pieces using a steel blade. The nutty flavor and the chewy texture it carries makes this form of oats a wonderful option for hot cereals, risottos, pilaf, etc.
Scottish Oats
This is the stone-ground form of oat groats that will turn into a porridge when cooked. It carries a creamy texture along with bits of toothsome chew. It takes about 10 minutes to cook this oat on the stovetop.
Rolled Oats
Here, the oat groats will be steamed, rolled, and then flattened into flakes and dried. It will take 5-20 minutes to cook this form of oats based on the consistency you like.
Instant Oats
This is a form of oats that can be cooked really fast. It will take only 1-3 minutes for cooking these oats. Instant oats are similar to rolled oats, but the flakes can be thinner or will be steamed for a longer time.
There is a wide variety available for you when it comes to choosing oats and you can make the selection based on your preferences.
