Oats are nutritious, easy to store, versatile and quick to make.
But unfortunately, the market has different types of oats.
Therefore, deciding which ones to buy can be confusing for newbies.
So, What’s the Difference Between Cheap and Expensive Oats?
Cheap oats usually have a lower protein content per gram than expensive ones. Many complain that cheap oats are harder and way thicker. And most brands have more husk bits, making it difficult to cook. However, we must mention that not all cheap brands are similar. Therefore, experimenting with different types is the only way to know which brand suits you best.
See Also: How Expensive Is Baking as A Hobby?
What Are the Different Types of Oats?
Now that you know the difference between cheap and expensive oats, let us look at the various types you can buy.
1. Whole Oats Groats
These are whole oat berries that don’t come with the tough hull.
Their bran and germ are intact, meaning they have a very high fiber concentration and nutrients.
But the bran covering makes these oaks the hardest to cook.
They take the longest time of all oat varieties.
You’ll need to soak the oats for a minimum of one hour before you cook them.
You’ll need to give them at least 45 minutes once you add them to boiling water.
The ratio of oats and parts of water should be 1:3.
Like other oats varieties, you can eat these for breakfast or use them in pilafs, and salads like wheat berries or barley are used thanks to their rice-like texture.
Some individuals grind them at home with a grain meal and add them into whole grain oat flour.
2. Steel Cut Oats
These are whole oat groats that have been finely chopped and not rolled.
They also contain bran and germ, making them rich in fiber and nutrients.
Steel-cut oats have an exposed starchy center, allowing them to cook pretty fast and make a creamy texture.
You will need to simmer on the stovetop for around 20-30 minutes.
But, it’s usually advisable to cook them in large batches and take out individual portions during the week for breakfast.
The oat-to-water ratio is 1:4, and you can use them for breakfast or make other savory preparations.
3. Rolled Oats
These are steamed whole oats rolled into flakes and then dehydrated.
The steaming cooks the oats partially.
So it will be easier to cook them, similar to cooking instant rice.
They still have bran and fiber, but it’s not as much as the first two. Remember, they are exposed to steam and oxygen, which makes them lose most nutrients.
They are also known as old-fashioned rolled oats and come in various sizes and textures. But they are generally left whole.
They cook pretty quickly. You’ll only use 5-10 minutes and three minutes when using the stovetop and microwave, respectively.
The oat-to-water ratio needed is 1:2, and they can be used to make breakfast porridge.
You can also use them as toppings for bread and muffins or bake them into oat casseroles.
4. Quick Oats
These are also steam and rolled into flakes.
The only difference is that they are thinly chopped before dehydrating.
Since their steaming process is longer and these oats are generally thinner slices, they take less time to cook.
However, their processing leads to the loss fiber and nutrients.
Quick oats take only a minute to cook in the microwave and several minutes on the stove.
They give extra creaminess, which some people interpret as gluey. If you don’t like the gluey texture, add enough liquid before you start cooking.
Cooking with less water can make your oats stiff and sticky.
Use 1 part of oats with two parts of water to cook quick oats.
You can add them to bread and baked goods. But they will not be as noticeable. You can also use them for skin treatments because the soothing starch is exposed and reconstituted with water.
5. Scottish Oats
These are not so common, but they are popular.
They come from grinding whole oat groats using stone, making them suitable for porridge.
You can cook them for about ten minutes using the stove and make them using your microwave.
What Are the Health Benefits of Oats?
Oats have several nutrients, like prebiotic fibers, complex carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and plant-based protein.
Prebiotic fibers are essential for your gut health, while soluble fiber is good for lowering your cholesterol level, thus improving your heart health.
The minerals and vitamins support immunity, healthy brain and bones, and reduce inflammation.
What Are the Best Oat Brands?
1. True Elements Steel Cuts Oats
We love this oat as they supply one with the energy needed to keep them active all day.
They are a great source of iron and vitamin B.
Thus eating them is an excellent way of preventing iron deficiencies while improving your blood circulation.
The oats contain soluble and insoluble fibers to keep you full for a long time.
So, they are suitable for weight watchers who don’t want to eat after short intervals.
Additionally, they are effective in protecting your heart and relieving stress. Add them to your smoothies if you don’t want to cook them.
2. Nourish Organic Oats Granola
This is an ideal breakfast choice if you are watchful about your weight.
You can serve them in a bowl, add milk or yogurt, and then add nuts and seeds toppings.
3. True Elements Rolled Oats
Do you want to improve your fiber intake?
These are the oats to take. Eat them in the morning to kick start your day healthily.
They are packed with fiber, magnesium, and other essential nutrients. Thus, giving users the energy they need to function during the day.
4. Zerobeli Oats
A warm bowl of Zerobeli oats might be what you need to make your morning happy.
You can cook them in water or milk and also add fruits and nuts for a more delicious and nutritious taste.
The pack is filled with high protein and fiber amounts. Therefore, you will get the energy desired to start your day.
Final Thoughts
Oats are one of the healthiest foods available. But, you must know whether to choose the top quality.
It’s better to spend more for quality rather than buy low-quality oats with less nutritional value and poor taste.
References
https://www.cookinglight.com/eating-smart/smart-choices/which-kind-of-oatmeal-is-healthiest