Oats are becoming increasingly popular for Vietnamese families' breakfasts. But with so many types available in stores and online, it can be too difficult to pick the right one. Let's delve deeper into distinguishing between different types of oats to create delicious meals easily!

Distinguishing between different types of oats

What you need to know about oats

Oats, also known as Avena sativa, come from the Poaceae family - one of the top five flowering plant families in the world in terms of species diversity. Besides oats, there are three other common groups of cereals: wheat (Triticum aestivum), barley (Hordeum vulgare), and rye (Secale cereale).

An interesting fact is that oats exist in a fascinating opposite rule. Despite being a highly nutritious food source that supports everyone's health and helps prevent some diseases like heart disease and digestive issues, oats are easy to grow, resistant to diseases, and are often cultivated in temperate regions or even in nutrient-poor areas.

The oats’s roles

In cooking, oats are often used as a main dish for breakfast, easily combined with various methods and ingredients like yogurt, fruits, or used in baking and making porridge.

Some famous types of oats in your meal

With its easy environmental adaptability and versatility for various purposes, oats, after harvesting, are processed into many forms to suit the composition or dietary preferences and habits of consumers. Oats are whole grain cereals consisting of three main parts: the outer protective layer called bran, the middle layer known as endosperm, and the inner core called germ.

Raw oats

This is the most basic form of oats when freshly harvested or bought directly from the field. Oats are completely dried, still whole, not separated from their tough outer husk, and may even contain parts of the plant's stem.

Raw oats

Whole oats

Following raw oats, whole oats are the product after initial processing, cleaning, and removing the inedible tough husk. At this stage, oats resemble brown rice, long and thin, with a smooth surface, and the outer bran layer still intact.

Whole oats

Due to its simple initial processing stage without much direct processing, whole oats retain their original nutrient content such as fiber, high protein, suitable for replacing starch, and are the top choice for gymmers. However, cooking whole oats takes quite a long time, around 40-50 minutes when simmered in plenty of water, and they have a slightly bland taste, requiring additional seasoning to enhance the flavor of the meal.

Steel cut oats

Steel cut oats are oat grains cut into halves or thirds using a metal blade. Additionally, steel cut oats are also known as Irish oatmeal. Unlike whole oats, Irish oatmeal cooks faster because they are cut into smaller pieces. Cooking time typically ranges from 20-30 minutes but can be quicker if you soak them in water beforehand.

Steel cut oats

Rolled oats

The common and easily recognizable type of oats is known as rolled oats or traditional oats. The process of making rolled oats starts with steaming the oats to soften them, then flattening them with a large rolling machine to create flat pieces. This method stabilizes the amount of oil in the oats, helping them stay fresh for longer.

Usually, rolled oats have a mild aroma and are softer compared to other types mentioned above, making them suitable for babies starting solid foods. Depending on the thickness and size of the oats, cooking time can vary but typically ranges from 5 to 15 minutes using a 1:2 ratio of oats to water for the perfect consistency.

Quick oats

Steamed longer and rolled thinner, quick oats will significantly shorten your cooking time to just 2-3 minutes. Quick oats have a subtle aroma, and become smoother as well as softer when cooked, while still retaining good nutritional content.

Instant oats

When oats are rolled as thin as possible and broken into small pieces, the result is instant oats. Unlike quicked oats, instant oats are sometimes supplemented with skim milk powder, sugar, and flavorings so everyone can quickly complete a meal in just 1-2 minutes of cooking. Additionally, instant oats are easily mixed with other products like yogurt or dried fruits to add a special touch to the dish.

3 types of Dan-D Pak Oats

Oat flour

Similar to wheat flour, oat flour is made by grinding whole oats into a fine powder for use. Oat flour is commonly used in baked goods like cookies, soups, stews, etc. Additionally, due to its convenience, time-saving nature, and reasonable price, beauty enthusiasts highly favor oat flour for making natural 100% origin face masks without worrying about adverse effects on their skin.

Oat flour

How to choose the best type of oats 

By exploring the detailed list of popular oats available today, you've gained a wealth of diverse knowledge for yourself. However, clearly identifying your own and your family's needs and interests will help you assess and choose the right type of oats for each dish.

Based on the cooking time

If you're looking for a meal that can replace rice but still provide good nutrition for your body, steel cut oats are the suitable choice with a cooking time of 20-30 minutes, equivalent to cooking rice. On the other hand, if you want a quick and convenient meal, instant oats, rolled oats, or quicked oats will always be among the top choices with a cooking time of just 2-3 minutes.

Based on weight loss needs

Due to their thickness and how they're processed, steel cut oats and whole oats match the stomach's digestion speed, making you feel full for longer, reducing the body's hunger cravings, and effectively supporting your weight loss efforts. On the contrary, other types of oats are considered smaller and digest faster after eating, making them popular choices for family breakfasts.

How to choose the right oats

Based on the texture after processing

Depending on your daily menu and food preferences, oat flour and rolled oats will be suitable if you need soft, smooth ingredients for baking recipes. On the other hand, if you're looking for a product with moderate hardness and chewiness, steel cut oats can fully meet your needs.

Hope these suggestions on choosing oats will help you understand more about this nutritious food. If you need more useful and up-to-date information on nutritious food and various cooking recipes, BCM will be your companion!

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