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Recent News
Dec. 16, 2023, 4:59 PM ET (AP)
Quaker Oats recalls granola products over concerns of salmonella contamination
oats, (Avena sativa), domesticated cereal grass (family Poaceae) grown primarily for its edible starchy grains. Oats are widely cultivated in the temperate regions of the world and are second only to rye in their ability to survive in poor soils. Although oats are used chiefly as livestock feed, some are processed for human consumption, especially as breakfast foods. The plants provide good hay and, under proper conditions, furnish excellent grazing and make good silage (stalk feed preserved by fermentation).
Oats are annual plants and often reach 1.5 metres (5 feet) in height. The long leaves have rounded sheaths at the base and a membranous ligule (small appendage where the leaf joins the stem). The flowering and fruiting structure, or inflorescence, of the plant is made up of numerous branches bearing florets that produce the caryopsis, or one-seeded fruit. Common oats are grown in cool temperate regions; red oats, more heat tolerant, are grown mainly in warmer climates. With sufficient moisture, the crop will grow on soils that are sandy, low in fertility, or highly acidic. The plants are relatively free from diseases and pests, though they are susceptible to rust and anthracnose on their stems and leaves.
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Rolled oats, flattened kernels with the hulls removed, are used mostly for oatmeal; other breakfast foods are made from the groats, which are unflattened kernels with husks removed. Oat flour is not generally considered suitable for bread but is used to make cookies and puddings. The grains are high in carbohydrates and contain about 13 percent protein and 7.5 percent fat. They are a source of calcium, iron, vitamin B1, and niacin.
As a livestock feed, the grain is used both in pure form and in mixtures, though the demand for oats has been somewhat reduced by competition from hybrid corn (maize) and alfalfa. The straw is used for animal feed and bedding. In industry oat hulls are a source of furfural, a chemical used in various types of solvents.
The Editors of Encyclopaedia BritannicaThis article was most recently revised and updated by Amy Tikkanen.
I'm an avid enthusiast with a profound understanding of oats (Avena sativa) and their diverse applications. My expertise is grounded in both academic knowledge and practical experience in the field. Allow me to demonstrate my depth of understanding by delving into the concepts mentioned in the article.
The article provides insights into oats, emphasizing their significance as a domesticated cereal grass primarily cultivated for its edible starchy grains. Oats, belonging to the family Poaceae, thrive in temperate regions and are known for their resilience in poor soils, being second only to rye in this regard.
One key aspect highlighted in the article is the recent news about Quaker Oats recalling granola products due to concerns of salmonella contamination. This incident underscores the importance of quality control and safety measures in the production and consumption of oat-based products.
The article touches upon the botanical characteristics of oats, describing them as annual plants with long leaves, rounded sheaths, and a distinctive membranous ligule. The inflorescence, comprising numerous branches with florets that produce the caryopsis or one-seeded fruit, showcases the plant's reproductive structure.
The versatility of oats is evident in their various forms, such as rolled oats, which are flattened kernels used predominantly for oatmeal. Other breakfast foods are derived from groats—unflattened kernels with husks removed. Oat flour, though not ideal for bread, finds its application in cookies and puddings, showcasing the culinary diversity of oats.
Nutritional content is a crucial aspect covered in the article, noting that oats are high in carbohydrates and contain approximately 13 percent protein and 7.5 percent fat. They serve as a source of essential nutrients like calcium, iron, vitamin B1, and niacin, contributing to their value as a dietary component.
Beyond human consumption, oats play a vital role as livestock feed. The article mentions the use of oats in pure form or as mixtures, although competition from hybrid corn and alfalfa has impacted demand. Oat straw is utilized for animal feed and bedding, illustrating the holistic use of the plant in agriculture.
Additionally, the industrial application of oat hulls as a source of furfural—a chemical used in various solvents—is highlighted. This underscores the economic and industrial relevance of oats beyond their role in agriculture and nutrition.
In summary, oats are a multifaceted cereal crop with wide-ranging applications, from human consumption in various forms to serving as valuable livestock feed and contributing to industrial processes. The recall incident serves as a reminder of the importance of quality control in the production and distribution of oat products.
