Frequently Asked Questions
History of Oats
Oats are cereal grains with origins traced back to 2000 B.C. in the Middle East & Mediterranean Sea. There are several species of oats, 75% of the world production is of one particular species, avena sativa. The remaining species is called avena nuda, or hulless. Oats are planted in April/May (Northern Hemisphere) and harvested in August/September. At maturity, the plant is about thirty five inches tall and has several stalks per plant. The oat groat is covered with a fibrous hull (except for the hulless variety which is covered with a thin transparent fibrous layer). Each sheath typically produces up to 4 seeds and the seeds hang on a thin stem. Several sheaths can be found per head and the entire head of grain can be up to seven to 10 inches long.
Growing Season
Canadian and domestic oats are planted April/May and harvested in August/September.
Production of Oats used in Canada & U.S.
Canada: 47%
U.S. 30%
Finland: 14%
Sweden: 9%
Product Usages
Quick Rolled Oats #14: Instant Oatmeal, Cookies and Confectionary bars
Quick Rolled Oats #21: Cookies, Granola, Confectionary bars
Baby Rolled Oats: Cookies, Toppings for muffins and breads.
Regular Rolled Oats #5: Cookies, Granolas and Confectionary bars
Medium Rolled Oats #4: Granolas
Thick Rolled Oats #3: Granolas
Oat Flour #70 (Debranned): Beverages, RTE Cereals and bakery goods
Whole Oat Flour #50: RTE Cereals and bakery goods
Steel Cut Groats: Cereals, crackers and bakery goods
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