What is the difference between oats and oatmeal

Short answer: Some are milled differently, while others are exactly the same but called different names. Speaking of, what is the difference between oats and oatmeal? For every type of oatmeal, the oats first undergo cleaning, hulling, and conditioning, which removes the outer shell called a hull , leaving the inner kernel or oat groat. The groat is then brushed clean in scouring machines.

Next, a kiln heats the groats to about degrees Fahrenheit to deactivate their enzymes, which limits how the oils present in the germ can react with oxygen, making the oats stable for storage, as well as giving them a slightly toasty flavor.

From there, the whole oat groats are processed differently depending on what type of oatmeal they are being made into:. Lincoln says that to make steel-cut oats also known as Irish oats , the groats are chopped up with steel blades. They take about 30 minutes to cook. Rolled oats also known as old-fashioned oats take less time to cook and have a less coarse and chewy texture. To make them, the groats are softened by steaming, then run through metal rollers to flatten them. Quick-cooking oats are rolled even thinner—about 0.

Just add hot water and stir. The less processed the oats are, the more nutrition they retain. And you should watch out for added sugar and preservatives in instant oatmeal. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but are often processed in facilities that handle flour, so cross-contamination can be an issue. Be sure to look for a certified gluten-free label if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance.

Most recipes that call for oats specify rolled oats or old-fashioned oats which, remember, are the same thing , but you can also use quick-cooking oats interchangeably. You can add oats to smoothies and even substitute ground oats for flour in some recipes, but here are nine of our favorite ways to enjoy all kinds of oats in a starring role:. Making your own granola for topping yogurt or simply snacking is usually a lot healthier and sometimes more economical than buying it at the store but it depends on what you want to add in.

Get our Easy Homemade Granola recipe. These are chewy, sweet, soft, and a little crunchy on top with the oat crumble. Get our Apple Oatmeal Bars recipe.

Try our Apricot Oatmeal Bars recipe too. Toss the ingredients into your Crock-Pot right before you go to bed and wake up to some creamy, warm breakfast. Just add vanilla, nuts, and fruit—fresh or dried. Create a personalised content profile. Measure ad performance. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile.

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By Robin Shreeves Robin Shreeves. Robin Shreeves is a freelance writer who focuses on sustainability, wine, travel, food, parenting, and spirituality.

Learn about our editorial process. Share Twitter Pinterest Email. Are Pancakes Vegan? Is Miso Soup Vegan? While instant oats may appear to have less protein and fiber, keep in mind that the serving size found on the package label we analyzed was a bit less than the other oats we used.

Ultimately, the type of oat you choose is completely up to you. If you prefer a sweet, nutty taste and chewy consistency, try steel-cut oats. If you like your oatmeal creamy and smooth, then instant oats are your game. And if time is a factor, instant oats make a perfectly suitable healthy breakfast or quick energizing snack. When buying oatmeal, always check the ingredient list.

No matter the type, there should only be one ingredient listed—whole-grain oats. Be wary of flavored instant oatmeal, as it can pack added sugars, extra sodium, and artificial ingredients. Instead, opt for plain instant oatmeal and top with a variety of nutrient-packed, sweet and savory toppings such as fresh berries, almond butter, Greek yogurt, sliced avocado, or a fried egg.

By Elizabeth Laseter December 05, Pin FB More. Struggling to cook healthy?