Oat flour is a type flour that is gluten-free, wholemeal and made from rolled oats. It is a popular alternative from the regular wholemeal wheat flour especially for people who suffer from gluten intolerance. It is also good for people seeking to reduce consumption of flour with gluten.

Nutritional value of oats flour

Oats flour is an excellent source of carbohydrates which gives our body energy. It is also packed with fiber, which promotes gut health and maintain good digestion. In addition, oats flour is a good source of protein and therefore beneficial for our bodies.

Oats flour has low glycemic index (GI). Foods with a low GI are digested slowly, which helps to prevent blood sugar spikes and crashes. This is beneficial for people with sugar issues or those who have diabetes already. Oats flour has significant amounts of vitamins and minerals too. For instance, it is an excellent source of vitamin B1 and magnesium. Vitamin B1 is essential for metabolism whereas magnesium helps to support bone health. Oats flour has significant amounts of iron, zinc, and folate, all of which play significant role in our bodies.

Uses of Oats flour

Oats flour is commonly used in baking as a gluten-free alternative to wheat flour. I have some minor gluten intolerance and whenever I feel like making a gluten-free bake, this is my go to flour. I use it to make chapatis, pancakes and drop scones, cakes, muffins, bread, and other baked items. Oats flour can also be used to thicken soups and stews, or as a coating for fried foods. One of the most popular uses for oats flour is in making oatmeal or oats porridge. Oatmeal is my family’s favorite for breakfast. If you are looking for a quick and easy breakfast, its oats flour to the rescue. Just make a quick and easy breakfast by mixing oats flour with water or milk and microwaving it for a few minutes. It can also be used in smoothies or as a topping for yogurt. The possibilities here are endless!

Important points to note when using Oats flour

It is important to note that the texture of Oats flour is different from wheat flour. It is more coarse and absorbs more liquid. So when baking with it, you may need to adjust the recipes accordingly. It is also important to note that oats flour has a slightly nutty flavor, which can affect the taste of baked goods.

It is also important to note that Oats flour can be made at home by grinding rolled oats in a blender or food processor. I usually use a small grinder especially if I only need a few cups of the flour. If you don’t fancy this chore, you can purchased the flour at a health food stores or supermarket

How to make Oats flour at home

Making Oats flour at home is very easy. A you need are rolled Oats and a blender, grinder or food processor. Here are a few easy steps that you can use to make your own oats flour at home:

Measure the amount of oats you need for your recipe. Use rolled oats for this.
Add the oats to a high speed blender, grinder or food processor. If you’re using a small grinder, work in batches.
Pulse the oats until they turn into a fine powder.
Once the oats have been ground to a fine powder, transfer the flour to a bowl or container.
For a finer texture, use a sieve to sift the flour through to remove any larger pieces of oats.
Store the oat flour in an airtight container in a cool, dry place if you are not using it immediately.

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