Quick-cooking rolled oats

Quick-cooking rolled oats are a type of processed oat specifically designed to reduce their cooking time. These flakes are made by lightly steaming the oat groats, which are then rolled into thin flakes that allow them to hydrate and cook faster than traditional thick-cut rolled oats or whole oat groats.

This ingredient originates from regions where oats are an important crop, such as North America and Europe, although today it is widely produced and consumed all over the world. Its popularity in cooking is due to its versatility and speed in preparing nutritious breakfasts, like porridge, and also for adding texture and nutritional value to recipes for cookies, breads, and smoothies.

Quick-cooking rolled oats are rich in soluble fiber, especially beta-glucans, which help improve digestion and control cholesterol levels. They also provide protein, B vitamins, and minerals such as iron, magnesium, and zinc, making them an ideal food for a balanced and healthy diet.

In different Spanish-speaking countries, quick-cooking rolled oats may be known simply as avena rápida, avena instantánea, or avena precocida. These terms are often used interchangeably, although the texture and cooking time may vary slightly depending on the brand or processing method.