Two of our best sellers belong on most breakfast tables. Here is what they are, how to prepare them, and how to tell the different forms apart.
- Grind flax seeds just before use. Whole seeds often pass through undigested.
- Ground flax goes off faster, so keep it in the fridge.
- Rolled oats are steamed and flattened. They cook in 5 to 10 minutes.
- Rolled oat powder (flour) is finer and works well in baking and smoothies.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds (linseed) are rich in fibre and plant oils. Whole seeds have a hard shell, so grinding them in a clean spice or coffee grinder makes the contents easier to use. A tablespoon of ground flax stirs easily into porridge, smoothies, yoghurt and batter. Mixed with water and rested, it forms a gel that can replace an egg in many baking recipes.
Storage: whole seeds keep well in a cool, dry place. Ground flax is more delicate, so grind small amounts and keep them in the fridge in a sealed jar.
Rolled oats
Rolled oats are whole oat grains that have been steamed and flattened. They cook quickly and keep a pleasant chew. Use them for porridge, overnight oats, granola, flapjacks and as a thickener in soups.
Quick overnight oats
Combine half a cup of oats, three-quarters of a cup of milk, a teaspoon of chia or ground flax and a little honey in a jar. Refrigerate overnight and top with fruit in the morning.
Oat powder versus rolled oats
Rolled oat powder is oats ground fine. It blends into smoothies, thickens sauces, and can replace part of the flour in pancakes and cakes. If a recipe calls for “oat flour”, the powder is what you want.
Products mentioned in this article
Flax Seeds
From ₦1,800
100g to 10kg
Choose size
Flax Seed Powder
From ₦2,500
100g to 1kg
Choose size
Rolled Oats
From ₦3,000
500g to 25kg
Choose size
Rolled Oat Powder
From ₦1,500
100g to 1kg
Choose sizeFrequently asked questions
Is it better to buy whole or ground flax?
Whole flax keeps better. Grind only what you will use in a few days.
Can I eat raw oats?
Yes, soaked oats (as in overnight oats) are enjoyed raw. Dry oats are best soaked or cooked.
Do oats contain gluten?
Oats do not naturally contain gluten but can be cross-contaminated with wheat. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check with your doctor and the supplier.
