By Suprita Mitter
October 3 2024
Many people think oats come from wheat, but this is not the case. While oats and wheat both come from a cereal grain grass, they're of a different species. Oats are considered a whole grain and are gluten-free, so they're safe to eat for those with a gluten allergy or gluten intolerance.
Oats come from the Avena sativa plant, a hardy cereal grain grown worldwide. Oats are typically harvested when the plant is mature, and the seeds have fully developed. The seeds, or oat groats, are the edible part of the plant.
Once harvested, the oat grains are cleaned to remove any impurities such as dust, dirt, and small stones. They are then sorted by size and quality.
The outer husk of the oat groats is removed in a process called hulling. This husk is inedible and protects the seed but needs to be removed to reveal the edible groats inside. The result is naked oats that do not have a hard outer shell, unlike some other grains.
After hulling, the groats are steamed to soften them and reduce the risk of spoilage. This process also helps preserve the oats' natural nutrients.
Oats are packed with fibre, vitamins, and minerals, making them a healthy dietary choice.
Oats are used in various forms like rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and oat flour for diverse culinary applications.
Popular Indian dishes made with oats include Oats Upma, Oats Poha, Oats Idli, Oats Chilla, Oats Dosa, and Oats Khichdi. These dishes give a healthy twist to traditional recipes.