Oat
| Oats | ||||||||||||
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A. abyssinica | ||||||||||||
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| ITIS 41455 2002-09-22 |
Oats are the seeds of any of several cereal grains, genus Avena. They are used for food and as fodder for animals. Oat straw is also sometimes used as animal feed.
Oats are often served as a porridge made from crushed oats or oatmeal, which is also baked into cookies. They are also used in a variety of other baked goods and cold cereals, and as an ingredient in granola.
Oats are native to Eurasia and appear to have been domesticated relatively late. They are now grown throughout the temperate zones. Like wheat, oats are an annual plant, and can be planted either in the fall (for early summer harvest) or in the spring (for late summer harvest).
Oat bran consumption is believed to lower LDL ("bad") cholesterol, and possibly to reduce the risk of heart disease. Oats are also a safe grain for people with celiac disease (gluten intolerance).
Oat straw is also used in Corn dolly making, and it is the favourite filling for Lace-making pillows.