Oats and such...

[noMuscles]

What is the difference between "Steel Cut Oats" and regular "Oats"? I couldn't seem to figure it out, what significance is "Steel Cut"?

[Times Roman]

Steel-cut oats are whole grain groats (the inner portion of the oat kernel) which have been cut into only two or three pieces by steel rather than being rolled.

[HitIt]

also, steel cut oats take about 30 min to cook (simmer) where as rolled are quick and microwave in 2 minutes...steel cut are said to be more complete as the oat isn't crushed like a rolled oat

[noMuscles]

Can you eat either one of them raw? Because I think if steel cut is better I would get those and just mix them in my shake.

[Damienm05]

Yeah, ideally, steel-cut is better. In fact, they have a lower glycemic value/load.

[terraj]

from nutrition data news.


First, some quick definitions. Steel-cut oats are hulled, toasted, oat grains that have been coarsely chopped into chunks about the size of a sesame seed. Stone-ground oats are the same thing, only ground into smaller pieces, closer to the size of a poppy seed. To make old-fashioned rolled oats, they steam the hulled toasted grains and then run them between rollers to create flakes.

The biggest differences between rolled, steel-cut, and stone-ground oats are in the texture and cooking times. They are all considered "whole grains" in that they all contain the germ, endosperm and bran of the original grain.

Any differences in nutrition would be due to the different processing methods, but the differences are minor. Some nutrients will be lost to heat and moisture during the steaming of the rolled oats, for example. On the other hand, the steel-cut oats have to be cooked for longer (losing nutrients along the way) so it's probably just about a wash. Similarly, the stone ground oats may have a slightly higher glycemic impact than the steel cut because they've been reduced to smaller particles. But I really wouldn't get too hung up on that --all three forms are considered to be low-glycemic foods.

Because these minor differences aren't going to make much of a difference in the big picture, I'd go with whichever you prefer.

Note: Quick-cooking and instant oats are a whole different story--as are the kind that are packaged with flavors and sweeteners. I'd regard all of these as nutritionally inferior.

[noMuscles]

Cool thanks for all the replies everyone, I haven't used oats yet, will they be easy to mix in my shake? Ideally I would want them to float so I can just chug them down. Would this be a bad idea?

How do you guys prefer your oats?

[Damienm05]

Cool thanks for all the replies everyone, I haven't used oats yet, will they be easy to mix in my shake? Ideally I would want them to float so I can just chug them down. Would this be a bad idea? No, it's a great idea. Use quick rolled oats for shakes and give it a good shake before chugging. Many of us do this. I do it.

How do you guys prefer your oats? I do quick rolled oats as specified above PWO and for breakfast, I simmer steel cut oats in water for 30 minutes while I go about my morning routine. I add 2 packets of splenda and a teaspoon of cinnamon to every cup. It's delicious with my eggs and hot sauce. Favorite meal.

Wheee!

[noMuscles]

Awesome! Thanks for all the help guys.