What Is Oat Mash?

Oats form the base of many types of cookies, oatcakes, breads and cereals.

Oats have been used for food and medicine since the time of the Ancient Greeks. Cooking oats in hot water for a long time turns them into "mash."

Identification

Oat mash is made by crushing oats and allowing them to simmer in water for along period of time until their consistency turns to "mash." Rolled oats and oat groats take longer to turn into mash than quick-cooking oats, which have been cut into smaller pieces and rolled thinner. Ingredients like molasses or fruit are often added to oat mash.

Food

Oat mash is a good source of nutrition for horses. The oats are usually mixed with ingredients like carrots, apples and other grains before making them into mash. Horses usually eat oat mash in the winter or as an occasional treat rather than as part of the everyday diet. Humans sometimes use oat mash as an ingredient in bread or baby food.

Beer

Oat mash is the main grain ingredient in oatmeal stout beer; it adds a rich, smooth flavor to the brew. Oatmeal stout beer also usually includes ingredients like hops, barley, yeast, amber extract, chocolate malt and black malt.

Health

Insect bites can be soothed by applying oat mash to the affected area; it can also help to get rid of skin rashes. Oats are low in cholesterol and release their energy slowly; they are therefore recommended as part of a healthy diet.

References

• LifeMojo: Health Benefits of Oats
• World's Healthiest Foods: Oats
• Fruit From Washington: Recipes for Horse Treats Using FruitFromWashington.com Apples and other Wholesome Ingredients
• Making Homemade Wine and Beer: Oatmeal Stout
• IQIO: How to Cook Oatmeal