A Crash Course on the History of Oats

Did you know that the ancient Egyptian mummies probably ate oats for breakfast? Oats are one of the oldest grains on earth, and oat remains that go back 4 millennia have been found in recent years.

The humble grain that often gets a bad rep for being bland and boring is actually very versatile. From flatbreads, pancakes, desserts, drinks to soothing face-packs, oats have been used in unimaginable ways over the centuries.

A brief history of oats

The highly nutritious grain might be well known now, but it was treated as wild grass initially. In fact, scientifically, it is still categorized as grass aka Avena Sativa – which is derived from the wild variant Avena sterilis.

Back in the stone age, our ancestors probably burnt down oats thinking they were annoying, unnecessary weeds! Eventually though, in the bronze age, oats were cultivated as food in Europe because it was a resilient crop that could withstand the unfavorable climatic conditions, unlike others.

Oats over the years

Oats were initially mass-produced to feed cattle and horses. In fact, it remains one of the main foods fed to high-class racehorses – mainly because oats are a power-house of nutrition and easy to cultivate. After years of being identified as cattle feed, people realized that oats could be steamed, flattened, or just ground and consumed in various ways. Thus was born the first mass variant of oats – rolled oats/old-fashioned oats/classic oats and the many other names it has begotten over the years.

It was the Scottish and Dutch immigrants who first introduced oats recipes in the USA around the 1600s. There has been no looking back since then. From porridges, bread, smoothies or supplements – there are many uses of the humble grain.

Then there’s also beer and ale – which account for the highest amounts of oats for production.

Oats also have a natural, anti-itching property and thus are also used in lotions and gels in the cosmetic industry.

In our country, oats have gained popularity over the years, especially amongst fitness enthusiasts because of their numerous health benefits.

From being mislabeled as a weed to becoming the most sought-after health grain, oats have definitely come a long way. Given its nutritional properties, it’s not hard to see why. Let us know in the comments below if you found this quick history lesson on oats interesting!