09 Mar Organic Rolled Oats vs Organic Steel Cut Oats
While both steel-cut and rolled oats can be a part of a nutritious diet, they differ by the kind of processing they undergo. A hot steaming bowl of organic oats usually comes to mind when you think of a healthy and nutritious meal to kickstart your day. They taste delicious and leave you feeling full for a long time. Plus, they are great if you are trying to lose or watch your weight.
However, one common mistake most people make is choosing the wrong variety of organic oats. Although organic oats are easily available in several organic food stores like SF Mart, it all comes down to choosing a variety that is suitable for you. There are several varieties of organic oats: thick rolled oats, regular rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and whole oat groats. Steel-cut and rolled oats are two of the most commonly consumed varieties, which is why it is vital to understand how they compare and what they offer. This blog will compare rolled oats and steel-cut oats, highlighting how they differ in their processing methods and nutrient profile. Keep reading to learn more.
What are Rolled Oats?
Also referred to as old-fashioned oats, rolled oats start as whole oat groats, which are later steamed and flattened. As they are steamed, they become softer in texture and have a mild flavor. The best part about rolled oats is that they cook much faster than steel-cut oats, as they are steamed and flattened and absorb water faster. A single bowl of rolled oats might take 2 to 5 minutes to cook.
What are Steel-Cut Oats?
Also referred to as Irish or coarse oats, steel-cut oats are much less processed than rolled oats. The only process they go through is when the whole oat groats are chopped into fine pieces using steel blades. This is why they are known as steel-cut oats. As a result, steel-cut oats take longer to cook as they have not been steamed or flattened like rolled oats. They absorb water slower and take longer to prepare. They have a chewy and firm texture with a more robust and nuttier flavor than other organic oats varieties. Steel-cut oats’ average cooking time is between 15 and 30 minutes. However, you can try soaking them in water before cooking them to reduce the cooking time.
