Are rolled oats raw?

[Analeah]

I have recently read some online raw recipes which call for rolled oats. I assume rolled oats have been cooked or heat processed in some way but since they are in so many of these raw recipes I thought maybe they are in fact raw? Anyone out there know the real deal on oats?

[Curtis]

lol you beat me to this question Analeah, I was getting ready to ask this myself because I have found some breakfast cereal recipes that called for rolled oats. Anyone know?

[Rawkinlocs]

It is my understanding that rolled oats aren't truly raw because the process of rolling/flattening the oats is done under high temps or something to that effect.

I've seen in various places (raw sites, etc.) that oat groats or steel cut oat groats should be used instead.

I use the oat groats (I've used both steel cut and whole). I had some steel cut groats that were soaked overnight and then I rinsed and drained them, put them in a blender with some dates, a few nuts, some raisins and cinnamon and had some of the most yummy (raw) oatmeal! I told myself that next time, I'd warm it up a little perhaps in the dehydrator. My 1 1/2 year old son also loved it!

[Curtis]

Thank you Rawkinlocs :)
I have been eating my own cereal mix of oat groats, millet and barley for some time now. Hmm so instead of heating it to soften the grains I can just soak them overnight? Thanks

[ConsciousCuisine]

Rolled oats are steamed at extremely high temperatures and are not raw; unless you get specially ordered oats, they will be cooked.

Soak and sprout your grains for easier digestion, assimilation and nutritional value.

[Curtis]

Thank you Conscious,
Hmm I wonder if the oat groats, barley and millet I buy at whole foods will sprout?

[Rawkinlocs]

Thank you Rawkinlocs :)
I have been eating my own cereal mix of oat groats, millet and barley for some time now. Hmm so instead of heating it to soften the grains I can just soak them overnight? Thanks

Yep, soaking them softens them up nicely! Keep in mind that I used steel cut groats and not whole. I "think" the whole ones are a bit harder.

[Sadii]

Curtis,

Usually if you bought them organic, they will sprout. Organic seeds/grains are usually not treated in any way that would prevent sprouting. If they were too old they might not sprout, though.

Re the rolled oats - you can roll them yourself from whole groats if you have an attachment for a grain mill, the nicer hand ones, I think, but other than that they are steamed and then rolled.

Enjoy the new lifestyle.

Kathy

[Analeah]

Oh okay, that makes sense. I figured that the rolled oats were heat treated but wasn't sure so thanks for letting us all know! I have never tried to use steel cut oats before as I thought they were not raw either? Does anyone know? I usually just soak the whole oat groats overnight and then put them in the blender the next day usually with an orange and some apple and dates. It's really good but I have a cheap blender that doesn't quite get it to the texture I would like. I think using the steel cut if they are raw would probably help with that? Also, does anyone know if whole oat groats will sprout? I know that wheat berries and spelt and other grains will sprout but I am curious if oats will? Thanks!

[Curtis]

Yes Rawkinlocs I use the whole oat groats, will have to try the steel cut ones.

Kathy I am trying to remember what brand of oats I buy, am out right now. Guess I will just asked them when I do my shopping tomm. They are prepackaged, hmm maybe arrowhead mills or something like that. Anyway thanks for info :)

[Sadii]

Analeah,

I think whole oat groats will sprout if not too old, and if not treated with anything (organic). Good luck - let us know. I've not tried it yet.

Kathy

[Analeah]

The oats I have say "Bio" on them which is to my understanding considered to be the same as organic. I doubt they are treated in any way so hopefully they will sprout! I am going to start some tomorrow so I will let you know if I have any luck and how they taste!

[Analeah]

Just wanted to post an update here....oats definately did not sprout so I am a little suspicious. They are organic but maybe they were too old? Also it's possible if they need more delicate sprouting environment than other grains that I did something wrong. I tried to sprout them along with a bowl right next to it of spelt grain. The spelt sprouted perfectly whereas the oats just began to smell sour even though I rinsed them in the same way I did the other grains. Has anyone here succesfully sprouted oats?

[Dane]

Rolled oats are not raw! They are processed.
Dane

[Analeah]

The oats I was using were oat groats, whole oats.....is it possible they were processed in some way?

[Sunny66]

Hello,
Meanwhile, there are actually several sources of raw organic rolled oats! Even though some manufacturers 'wash' the oat groats with hydrogen peroxide before sprouting them, the simple fact that the groats still sprout makes them a living food in my book ;-)
The oat groats are then soaked in water and sprouted. Afterward, they are dried at an amazingly low temperature: about 90 - 95 degrees Fahrenheit - it doesn't get any 'raw-er' :-)
I did a lot of research on the subject and found several suppliers, however, the cost for the rolled oats differs quite a bit. And off I go to my bowl of raw, healthy yumminess!
Warmly,
Sunny