There is nothing like a warm bowl of oatmeal on a cold winter’s day. Whether you hate oatmeal or love it, there is no denying the wonderful health benefits from consuming this high fiber cereal. So what is the difference between the traditional rolled oats that come today in a plethora of options from instant to flavored and steel cut oats? The answer is simple- processing.
To begin, one must understand that all of these cereals start off with hulled grains called groats. The way that groat or inner portion of the oat kernel is processed determines which type of cereal you purchase. Rolled oats or flake oats, typically go through a four step process that involves being steamed, rolled, re-steamed and toasted. Quick-cooking rolled oats are cut into smaller pieces and rolled even finer for faster cooking. That means the final product has lost some of its natural goodness and the signature texture of steel cut oats.
Sugar and flavor additives are included in the instant oatmeal which has been pre-cooked and dried before it makes it into the convenient package in the store. Instant oatmeal is extremely popular with kids and adults that usually do not like the taste of regular old-fashioned oatmeal.
The beauty of steel cut oats is that they are unrefined and have the least amount of processing before being packaged. The whole grain groat is simply cut into two or three pieces. No steaming, rolling or toasting. The end result is golden colored oatmeal with a hearty crunch that is sure to wake you up in the morning.
Many consumers wanting to try steel cut oats were put off by the amount of time it takes to prepare a bowl of the good stuff. To cook one cup of steel cut oats it typically takes about twenty-five minutes or longer. That’s hard to do in the morning rush but now Trader Joe’s is stocking the shelves with Trader Joe’s Quick Cook Steel Cut Oats. These whole grain groats have been partially steamed but left intact so that you get all the healthful benefits of the slow cooking steel cut oats and best of all they are ready to enjoy in about eight minutes.
Having a healthy breakfast is the best way to start off your day and oatmeal is a great option in the morning. The benefits of eating oatmeal have been proven to reduce cholesterol, improve digestion, fight cancer, and help you lose weight. Eating a bowl of this healthy grain cereal will give your body a dose of B-vitamins, protein, fiber, and calcium. That is a pretty impressive way to start off your day!
Steel cut oats and rolled oats both offer these benefits so consider making it a staple for breakfast no matter the choice. Whether you are an oatmeal lover or dislike the creamy, pasty texture of rolled oats or instant oatmeal, consider branching out of your taste bud comfort zone and try steel cut oats. They offer a nutty, crunch texture that is sure to please and satisfy!
Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_2242991_cook-steelcut-oats.html
http://www.recipezaar.com/library/getentry.zsp?id=465
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oatmeal
