Last week I went to the supermarket as I had run out of oats. I typically buy my oats at a nut store on online so it was to my surprise that the supermarket had several different types. I was overwhelmed and confused. Here I had; Australian Traditional Rolled Oats, Quick Oats, Steel Cut Oats, Organic Oats and more. What's the difference? Are there benefits? If you are asking yourself the same question that read on.
Oat 101
Oats are a low GI, healthy, wholegrain food which means they are less likely to create a spike in your blood sugar levels. If you are looking for a hearty breakfast for yourself or family then oats are a great choice for you.
Steel cut oats (think pinhead)
These are whole oats that have simply been cut into two or three pieces by steel cutters to produce rough, coarse oatmeal. They are the least processed of all the oats.
Uses: use for oatcakes and the traditional way of making porridge.
- Jumbo rolled oats/flakes
These are whole oats that have been softened with steam and then flattened between rollers to produce flakes.
Uses: use raw in muesli, or to make thick, textured porridge.
- Rolled oats
These are the ones I grew up with. Steel cut (also known as pinhead) oats (oats that are cut into two or three pieces) that have been softened with steam and then rolled to produce flakes. They are smaller than jumbo flakes therefore, so cook quicker and make a finer, smoother porridge.
Uses: tend to be used for the single-serve sachet products found in supermarkets. Use a mix of jumbo and rolled oats to make biscuits, oatcakes, cereal bars or pancakes.
- Quick Oats
Quick-cooking oats: These are simply rolled into thinner flakes, so they cook a little faster.