Also indexed as: Oatmeal, Porridge
Oatmeal still tops the list of hot-cereal favorites, especially on chilly
winter mornings.
Originating in Europe as porridge, and later a popular dish among early settlers in the
United States, hot cereals have been a mainstay for thousands of years. The most popular hot
cereal is oatmeal, but as other types of grains are becoming better known, a wider variety of
hot cereals is becoming available.
Varieties
Nearly any grain can be cooked into hot cereal. Look for grits, meal, bran, germ, groats,
flakes, and other forms.
Buying and storing tips
Hot cereals can be purchased in ready-to-cook form in packages, as well as in the bulk
section of most health food or grocery stores. Store cereal in sealed glass or plastic
containers, or in tightly sealed plastic bags, in a cool, dark cupboard.
Availability
Hot cereal is available year-round.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Cooking procedures and times vary slightly according to the type of grain, and whether it
is a regular or instant variety. Prepare hot cereal with
milk or water, and follow the directions on the package. Add dried fruit, chopped walnuts, or crushed
flaxseeds to hot cereal, or top cooked cereal with fresh fruit. Combine several varieties of grain for maximum flavor and
nutrition. Although best known as a breakfast food, hot cereal can be enjoyed in the afternoon
or evening, too.
Nutritional Highlights
Hot cereal (plain oatmeal, regular and quick), 1
cup (234g)
Calories: 145
Protein: 6.0g
Carbohydrate: 25g
Total Fat: 2.3g
Fiber: 4.0g
*Good source of: Thiamine (0.26mg)
*Foods that are an “excellent source” of a particular
nutrient provide 20% or more of the Recommended Daily Value. Foods that are a “good
source” of a particular nutrient provide between 10 and 20% of the Recommended Daily
Value.
Copyright © 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved.
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Foodnotes.
The information presented in Foodnotes is for informational
purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts.
Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using
any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed
medications. Information expires March 2005.
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