We all know porridge as an end product, but few know how oatmeal is really made. Oat bran is one of the most important foods consumed for breakfast today.
The flakes contain many healthy nutrients that are good for our digestion and cardiovascular system. Fiber , beta glucan, vitamins B1 and B6, iron, zinc, magnesium, phosphorus, and vitamin E are just a few of the ingredients found in oats.
From oatmeal to finished and nutritious oatmeal
The oatmeal, as the name suggests, is extracted from the oats. The raw grain is separated from the straw during the machine process. During this process, the future oatmeal is freed from husks and other inedible elements.
After the "liberation", the oatmeal is treated with steam. The oatmeal is then subjected to heat. This is where the typical nut aroma of oatmeal is created.
The heat also ensures that the bitter taste is inhibited during the prolonged storage of the oat bran. At the end, the oatmeal is flattened with rollers.
Depending on the production process, the individual shapes of the flakes differ. The difference is noticeable between the large leaf flakes and the small leaf flakes. The distinction is that the large leaf flakes are obtained from whole grains.
The small leaf flakes are made from smaller pieces of oats. The smaller oats swell up faster later and can be eaten after just a short soaking. You can prepare the oat curls in different ways .
When is the oat harvested?
The oat grain is usually harvested in late summer. As soon as the oat turns a golden yellow color, it can already be harvested. Modern machines are used for harvesting. These machines separate the oat grain from the stalks.
In order for delivery to the oat mill to proceed smoothly, certain quality standards must be adhered to. Samples are taken and checked for this purpose. The individual characteristics such as smell, appearance, and quality are tested.
Cleaning and sieving the raw port
Cleaning the flakes includes removing the oat from weed seeds, as well as foreign cereals and straw. Any metal that can possibly be collected is removed by a magnet during the cleaning process.
Sieving the oat ensures that it is freed from stones and foreign bodies. Even the smallest stones are removed from the oats so that they can later be consumed without hesitation. After this cleaning and sieving, the oats are sorted lengthwise.
The oats go to the sauna?
Immediately after sieving, the oats go to the sauna or to the kiln. Thanks to a heat of 90°C, the flakes can be made even more durable. The oats are transported in heat pipes and dried.
Dehusking – Separation of oat grain and its husk
When the kilning is complete, the hulls must be removed from the grain. For this purpose, the oats are transported to a rotor. A rotor is a fast rotating part that throws the oat against an impact ring. The impact ensures that the hulls are separated from the grain. A blower helps to free the grains.
Rolling the oat grains
After dehusking, the oats can be transported for processing. Two large rollers flatten and sort the oatmeal. During this process, the large and small oatmeal that we know from the supermarket is created.
How we use the oatmeal in the kitchen
The versatility of oats is evident in the countless oatmeal recipes and preparation options. In most cases, the flakes are consumed for breakfast as porridge or in cereal . But you can also eat your porridge at lunch or in the evening.
With the help of delicious toppings such as fresh fruit, chia seeds , nuts or seeds, you can immediately enhance the oatmeal. It is also worth trying some porridge and muesli mixtures. Bircher muesli in particular is well-known and very healthy.
To prepare a porridge, mix the oatmeal with water or milk. But it doesn't always have to be cow's milk. Oat milk, almond milk, or rice milk are delicious alternatives that even vegans can fall back on.
The advantage of oat bran is also evident in a diet. The oatmeal ensures that the metabolism is promoted and the body is supplied with healthy ballast. These are also responsible for the long feeling of fullness. For this reason, you can prevent the common cravings by consuming the oat.
The protein content promotes muscle growth, normalizes the cardiovascular system, and strengthens hair and nails. Thus, it will not take long for the kilos to tumble.
How healthy are oatmeal?
Although oatmeal is very simple, it has many benefits for the human body. Oatmeal keeps us full for a long time and is very gentle on our digestion. Consuming porridge and cereal also helps to reduce heart disease.
At first glance, raw oats appear to be a simple raw material, yet they are healthy and can contribute to a healthy lifestyle in an uncomplicated way. A truly healthy breakfast .
Recipe: Breakfast pudding full! With oats & chia.
Ingredients
- 150 g Verival oatmeal
- 40 g chia seeds
- 250 ml coconut soy milk (or soy milk, almond milk, etc.)
- 1 banana
- Seasonal Favourite Fruit
- Honey, agave syrup or maple syrup for sweetening at will
Preparation
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Mix oatmeal, chia seeds, and milk in a bowl.
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Mash a relatively ripe banana with a fork and stir it into the mixture.
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Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight – while the seeds form a pudding-like gel.
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In the morning, cut fruit (e.g. nectarine, apple, pear, etc.) into pieces and stir into the pudding. If needed, sweeten with honey, agave syrup, or maple syrup.
