At last! Steel cut oats are a product our customers have been asking for since the very beginning of Dalriata. We are proud to say that we have finally secured a supply of the very best Irish steel cut oatmeal you can find, from our friends at Flahavan’s.
What are steel cut oats?
Also known as pinhead oats, steel cut oats are whole oat grains which, as the name implies, are chopped into pinhead-sized pieces using a steel blade. These pieces can be further processed into rolled oats like you will find in Flahavan’s Progress Oatlets, Organic Oats or Jumbo Oats, but left alone, they make for porridge with a nutty flavour and a chewier texture. Sure, they take a little longer to cook, but for many people it’s well worth the wait!
Mention “traditional Irish breakfast” to most people, and their thoughts will turn to some of our most popular products: breakfast sausages, black and white pudding, back bacon rashers and so on. But the truth is – whisper it – most people don’t eat this kind of food often, as it’s not particularly healthy. The real traditional Irish breakfast, in terms of popularity, is good old porridge. And if you want to indulge in this timeless classic, you’ll find nothing better than Flahavan’s Pinhead Oatmeal Oatlets.
Flahavan’s is a family-owned Irish business that has been milling oats in County Waterford for over 200 years. In an age of ever-expanding brands, it’s refreshing to come across a company which concentrates on doing one thing only, and doing it well. Perhaps it’s this dedication that has made Flahavan’s Ireland’s favourite brand of porridge.
The oats used by Flahavan’s to make Progress Oatlets are all grown within 100km of their home by the River Mahon. It’s the perfect climate for growing delicious oats, and that short trip to the mill means they arrive fresh from the harvest and full of flavour.
Flahavan’s use a unique milling process to produce their porridge oats, which gives them a rich, creamy texture and lightly toasted aroma. If you’ve tried porridge before, but didn’t take to it because it seemed like tasteless slop, we suggest you give Flahavan’s Pinhead Oatmeal a try – you might be pleasantly surprised.
Oats are a source of wholegrain goodness, high in dietary fibre and naturally low in sugar, salt and saturated fat. They also contain beta-glucan, a soluble fibre which, when regularly consumed as part of a balanced, varied diet, can help contribute to the maintenance of normal blood cholesterol levels. Each serving of Flahavan’s Pinhead Oatmeal contains one third of the 3g of beta-glucan suggested per day to help maintain normal cholesterol levels.
Porridge can be enjoyed in many different ways. Traditionally it is prepared very simply, cooked in water with just a little salt or sugar added. Nowadays, most people like to use milk rather than water, for a softer, creamier texture. It’s really easy to make porridge more interesting by adding honey, or chopped fruit such as apple, banana or strawberry. Some people even add a spoonful or two of yoghurt for something really indulgent.
A good bowl of porridge oats is an excellent way to start the day. It’s satisfyingly filling, and keeps hunger at bay all the way until lunchtime. Oats are high in fibre, aiding digestion, and contain complex sugars which release energy slowly over several hours, giving you the energy you need to power through your day. Whether you’re an endurance athlete, a cycle tourist, or just on your feet all day, there’s no better way to fuel your exertions.
