The Good Ol’ Steel Cut Oat!

Here are the top five reasons we just can’t get enough:

1. Minimally Processed

It all starts with great groats. Nope, that’s not a typo. Funny as it may sound, the term groat refers to a whole hulled oat grain. Steel discs cut the groats into 2-3 pieces allowing them to retain most of their bran, fiber and nutrients, whereas typical milling removes much of this good stuff.

2. Taste and Texture

Traditional rolled oats are flattened through a process involving multiple steaming, rolling and toasting cycles. The result? Pasty texture and bland flavor. By comparison, minimally processed steel cut oats retain a deliciously nutty flavor and a perfectly al dente texture.

3. Health Hero

Steel cut oats are considered a functional food – meaning they not only meet essential nutritional needs but promote better health by reducing chronic diseases. Nutrient-rich oats are full of fiber, calcium, iron, magnesium, B-vitamins and antioxidants. They are low in unsaturated fats and sodium and contain high levels of Beta-Glucans, which help lower cholesterol and blood pressure. They can also help regulate blood sugar levels and enhance immune defense.

4. Protein-packed

Proteins are made up of building blocks called amino acids. While our bodies are able to make some of these amino acids naturally, we cannot synthesis others and must get them from the foods that we eat. Oats contain all nine essential amino acids making them a full protein. And all that protein helps you feel fuller longer, which can aid in weight loss.

5. Culinary Chameleon

Steel cut oats have limitless potential. From breakfast, to lunch, to dinner and dessert, steel cut oats can be transformed with the addition of a few ingredients. Combine them with warm apples, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar, and voila! – you’ve got a delicious apple pie inspired dessert. Or try them simmered with white wine, sundried tomatoes and spinach for a decadent dinner.