The main difference between rolled oats and quick oats is their processing. Quick oats are more processed and cook more quickly than rolled oats, but rolled oats have more texture and flavour.
Oats is a classic breakfast that can be prepared in a multitude of ways. It is nutritious, inexpensive, satisfying and hearty enough to satisfy our hunger throughout the morning. There are different varieties of oats, the main three being rolled oats, steel-cut oats, and quick oats.
Key Areas Covered
1. What are Rolled Oats
– Definition, Features
2. What are Quick Oats
– Definition, Features
3. What are the Similarities Between Rolled Oats and Quick Oats
– Outline of Common Features
4. What is the Difference Between Rolled Oats and Quick Oats
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Rolled Oats, Quick Oats, Oatmeal
What are Rolled Oats
Rolled oats are a kind of lightly processed whole-grain food. We also call them old-fashioned oats or whole oats. During processing, oat whole grains first undergo steaming, which makes them soft and pliable; then, they are pressed in order to get a flattened shape. They have a flat, irregularly round shape and look like slightly textured discs. When cooked, they have a soft, fluffy texture.
When compared to steel-cut oats, rolled oats cook faster. It takes about 2 – 5 minutes to prepare a bowl of rolled oats. In addition, they absorb more liquid and hold their shape well during cooking, in comparison to steel-cut oats. They will also have a softer texture and milder flavour than steel-cut oats. We can use rolled oats in baking, especially for food like muffins, cookies, and granola bars. In fact, they are the most common variety of oats you’ll find at the grocery store.
What are Quick Oats
Quick oats are the most processed oat variety. They are partially cooked by steaming, dried, and then rolled and pressed thinner than traditional rolled oats. Since they are highly processed, they require less cook time. Although you can cook them more quickly than rolled oats, quick oats often don’t retain their texture and tend to end up mushy. They have a smooth, creamy consistency and mild flavour.
Most people believe quick oats to be less nutritious than other oat varieties. However, the nutrient content of quick oats is actually similar to other varieties, but quick oats are more likely to contain sugar and other additional flavourings. You can also use rolled oats in place of instant oats, but it will require more cooking time, and the final dish will have more texture and be more flavorful.
Similarities Between Rolled Oats and Quick Oats
- It’s possible to use rolled oats in place of quick oats, but their cooking time is different.
- Despite the popular belief that quick oats are less nutritious, the nutrient content of quick oats is actually similar to that of rolled oats.
Difference Between Rolled Oats and Quick Oats
Definition
Rolled oats are a kind of lightly processed whole-grain food, while quick oats are oats that go through further processing to decrease cooking time.
Size
Rolled oats are slightly larger in size than quick oats.
Cooking Time
Quick oats cook within a few minutes, but rolled oats take longer to cook than quick oats.
Flavour and Texture
Rolled oats have a soft, fluffy texture and a milder flavour than steel-cut oats, while quick oats have a mild flavor and soft, mushy texture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, quick oats are more processed and cook more quickly than rolled oats, but rolled oats have more texture and flavour. Thus, this is the main difference between rolled and quick oats.
Reference:
1. Kubala, Jillian. “Rolled vs Steel-Cut vs Quick Oats: What’s the Difference?” Healthline, Healthline Media, 4 May 2018, Available here.
2. Laseter, Elizabeth. “Ode to Oatmeal: Your Guide to the Beloved Breakfast Staple.” Cooking Light, 1 Dec. 2017, Available here.
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