Oats

(Avena sativa L.)

Common oats is a plant of the Poaceae family (or Gramineae) and is the most known species of the genus Avena. The oat seed used in the food industry must first be dehulled, through special procedures, to make it more digestible. Very important for the crop rotation, every part of its plant is used. It is a cereal particularly rich in nutrients such as proteins, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, potassium but it is less digestible than other cereals and contains phytates that limit the absorption of calcium and other nutrients. It provides a good amount of lipids and is gluten-free.

Purposes
In addition to the zootechnical (equine) feeding, oats are used in grains for the preparation of soups and, the flour together with other cereals is used for the preparation of various baked products, the flakes are widespread as breakfast foods .

Category: Cereals