Oat is a cereal grain probably originated from the Asian wild red oat, which grew as a weed in other grain crops. The first documents to refer to the cultivation of this cereal date from the beginning of the Christian era when oats were used primarily for medicinal purposes before serving as a food. Nowadays oats are typically found in the cold climates of North America and North-Western Europe and used as both human and animal nutrition, in addition to other purposes such as cosmetic.
Oat grains are rich in lipids, unsaturated fatty acids including oleic and linoleic acid, proteins with a high organic value and fiber. Furthermore, they contain mineral salts (magnesium, calcium, potassium, silicon, and iron), B Vitamins, antioxidants and plant sterol. This latter gives them the capacity to regulate cholesterol in the blood.
One particular feature of oat grains is the element of “avenina”, an alkaloid that has tonic, energetic and balancing effects on the nervous system and stimulates the functionality of the thyroid. Avenina also makes oat very handy for people who suffer from insomnia, depression and eating disorders. As they are very nutritious and easy to digest, oat grains are often used during convalescence and nursing.
* Chefs Tips *
Oat grains
45-55 minutes of cooking
pre-soaking not required
*Before using Oat rinse it thoroughly under running water and remove any debris that you may find
*Find the perfect texture by tasting your Oat while cooking
*Enrich the taste and increase the nutritional value of your minestrone and soups by adding Oat directly while cooking
*Get a satisfying, wholesome, spicy breakfast by having an Oat + Almonds & Cardamom Porridge
*Go Vegan while treating yourself with an Oat + Zucchini Tofu & Mint Pesto Salad
*Overcome winter weather with a warm Oat + Dry Tomatoes & Green Been Salad or an Oat + Barley & Mushrooms Stew
*Never forget a drizzle of Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
*Still hungry? Have more here!