Apparently, we buy more oats in January than any other month, which is why the Whole Grains Council chose oats to be their grain of the month for January. It’s also why we celebrate National Oatmeal Month in January. There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a steaming bowl of oatmeal on a cold January morning!
To help you celebrate, we’re including some oatmeal ideas for you below, but first here are a few fun facts:
The 1755 Dictionary of the English Language defines oats: “a grain, which in England is generally given to horses, but in Scotland supports the people.” Meant to be derogatory to the Scots, they merely replied, “That’s why England has such good horses, and Scotland has such fine men!”
Oats have some well-known health benefits like lowering cholesterol. Perhaps less well-known is their ability to stabilize blood sugar, lower blood pressure, boost the immune system and potentially lower the risk of certain cancers. The fiber in oats keeps you full longer, which helps with weight control, and reduces the need for laxatives. Oats are higher in protein than many other grains, and they contain phytochemicals that have anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Oats are not necessarily gluten-free due to cross-contamination, although some companies produce a gluten-free product that is processed on equipment never used for wheat or other gluten-containing grains. However, oats do contain a type of protein that is similar in structure to gluten. Some sensitive individuals can tolerate this protein but others cannot.
There are numerous forms of oats, with rolled oats being the most common in the US. You can find old-fashioned, thick, quick cooking and instant. Oat bran cooks up very quickly and has a creamy texture. Try steel cut, Scottish, or Irish oats for a chewy alternative. Check out our recipe which provides instructions for preparing each type.
Sprinkling nuts or seeds on top of your oatmeal will add more protein and provide longer-lasting energy. Sometimes we stir in butter, coconut oil or cream:
Fruit is another healthful addition to your bowl of oats. Of course, you can make a very simple oatmeal by adding sugar and spice, or get very creative. Here are some of our favorite combos:
- Sugar and Spice – Top with brown sugar and your choice of spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, or cloves.
- Apple Spice – Top with chopped apples, raisins (or currants), pecans, cinnamon, and brown sugar.
- Seedy-Nutty – Cook oats in coconut or almond milk. Top with ground flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, shredded coconut, hemp hearts, ground cinnamon, and honey.
- Pumpkin Coconut – Cook oats in half water and half coconut milk. When done, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons pumpkin purée, ground ginger, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Top with walnuts, shredded coconut, and maple syrup.
- Ginger Maple Walnut – Stir in ground ginger, cinnamon, and cardamom. Top with walnuts, maple syrup, and chopped candied ginger (optional).
- Cranberry Almond – Top with cranberries, sliced almonds, cinnamon, nutmeg, cream, and honey. (Nice to serve during the holidays.)
Some other great ideas to consider (no photos yet):
- Almond Date – Cook oats in almond milk. Top with sliced almonds and chopped dates.
- Chocolate Cherry – Top with dark chocolate chunks and dried or fresh cherries.
- Honey Pear and Pine Nuts – Top with chopped pear, honey, and toasted pine nuts.
- Pistachio Pomegranate – Top with pistachios, pomegranate arils (seeds), and honey.
