Whole Grain Cereals

Highly flavorful, rich and complex…

Health Bonus!

Grains are nutritional powerhouses - loaded with minerals and vitamins, high-quality fiber, plus being low in fat and free of cholesterol! They are also packed with complex carbohydrates, which provide time-released energy as they are broken down by the body very slowly.

All grains are made up of 3 parts: an outer layer or husk composed of a rich assortment of iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, manganese, selenium and large amounts of B vitamins as well as generous amounts of fiber and beneficial plant compounds which appear to act as potent antioxidants.

The middle layer or endosperm is mostly protein and carbohydrates. The inner layer or germ is rich in vitamins E, A, B, protein, calcium, iron and a variety of beneficial plant compounds. The fiber in whole grains increases bulk, which promotes quicker elimination of body wastes, reducing the amount of time the colon is exposed to potential cancer-causing substances. Whole grains also reduce the incidence of hemorrhoids and diverticular disease.

Insoluble fiber is the rough, stringy part of a plant that provides bulk as an aid to a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Grains such as wheat bran, whole wheat flour, rye, millet, oats, barley, nuts and seeds are in this category. Soluble fiber helps regulate blood sugar, fat and cholesterol levels. You can tell when a food has soluble fiber, because, like oatmeal it thickens after being cooked. The best sources are oats, wheat, rice bran and legumes. During digestion grains provide an even flow of energy and stamina to help us feel full longer.

Oats are easily digested and reasonably high in protein. Oats contain beta-glucan, a spongy, soluble fiber that helps lower cholesterol in the body by mopping up the precursors of cholesterol in the intestines. Studies concluded that to lower the amount of cholesterol in one’s blood by consuming oat products, 3 grams of soluble fiber was needed daily. This would equal 1 1/2 cups cooked oatmeal. Oats are the only cereal containing saponin, a hormone-like substance that helps our pancreas regulate insulin production. For people avoiding wheat, oats make an ideal substitute.

People with celiac disease can eat half a cup of dry, whole grain rolled oats per day without harming their health, according to the Celiac Disease Nutrition Guide, published in 2003 by the American Dietetic Association. Oats, however, are not really gluten-free because they contain gliadin, a breakdown product of gluten that most people with celiac disease can tolerate. But because oats can become contaminated with wheat during harvest, or when transported, stored, milled, or processed, celiac sufferers should avoid oats sold in bulk from bins. Our oat products are milled in a facility that ONLY processes oats.

History and Storage:

Oats are high in unsaturated fats, yet curiously enough have little storage requirements because the grain has a rare natural antioxidant that actually delays rancidity. Before the discovery of chemical preservatives, commercial bakers often added a pinch of ground oats to breads and cakes to stave off early staleness. So it is not surprising that a package of oats should have a life expectancy of up to a year on a pantry shelf in an air-tight container, and longer still if the temperature is moderately cool. As well, to enable the oats to retain all of their elements without spoiling quickly, the kernels or groats are heat-treated to kill the enzyme lipases, which cause the breakdown of fats. This heating enables oats and oatmeal to be stored at room temperature and also gives the oats a delicious lightly toasted flavor. In preparation for flaking, the outer shell is removed from the oat kernel and then steamed and rolled flat. The steaming process also enhances the digestibility of oats and does not destroy the enzymes or any vitamins.


Oat Products

Preparing oatmeal is a very personal business. Some like it creamy, some meaty, some let the oats rest after boiling, and some toast the oats first (toast in a preheated 350 oven for 10 minutes by spreading oats on a baking sheet; turn so toasting is even). Whatever your tastes, enjoy the flavor, nutrition and texture of our certified organic oat products!

The ideal breakfast cereal is made from a whole grain and provides at least 5 grams of fibre and no more than 8 grams of sugar per serving. All our breakfast products meet these requirements!

Highwood Crossing Old Fashion Rolled Oat Flakes

Our oat flakes are large and flavorful - great for chewy cookies, hearty desserts, wholesome breads or hot, creamy porridge.

Cooking Instructions:
1. Stovetop method for Hot Oatmeal Cereal:
Stir 1/3 cup of oat flakes into 2/3 cup of boiling water. Reduce heat, stir occasionally until liquid is absorbed, or let stand until desired consistency is reached. Makes 1 - 2 servings.
2. Microwave method for Hot Oatmeal Cereal:
In a microwave safe bowl combine 1/3 cup of oat flakes with 2/3 cup of water. Cook on high for 90 seconds, sir down, then cook on high again for 90 seconds.

Highwood Crossing “Scottish” Steel Cut Oats

These are oat groats (hulled oat kernels) that have been cut horizontally with a heavy steel blade into two or three pieces but not rolled. The creamiest of the oats - great with fresh fruit, ground flaxseed, chopped nuts, dried fruit, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup.

Cooking Instructions:
Slowly stir 1 cup of steel cut oats into 3 cups of boiling water. Reduce heat, stir occasionally, and cook for 20-30 minutes. You can also use milk instead of water for an even more creamy consistency - just ensure that the heat is at a lower temperature and more time is given for cooking.
Or
Cooking Instructions:
Sauté 1 cup steel cut oats in 1 Tbsp. butter. Bring 3 cups water and 1 cup milk to simmer over med heat. Add oats and cook, uncovered, 20 minutes med low. Add 1/4 tsp. salt if desired and simmer another 7 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes. Makes 4-6 servings.
Or
Cooking Instructions: Put 1 cup of steel cut oats in a pint vacuum-insulated bottle prewarmed with hot water. Pour in 2 cups of boiling water, screw lid on tightly and shake a couple of times. Let bottle rest on its side overnight, open in the morning and eat warm, perfectly cooked oatmeal. Great for early morning breakfasts on the go or camping!


Highwood Crossing Quick Cooking Instant Oats

Quick oats are Scottish steel cuts that have been rolled. These oats have the same flavor and consistency as the old fashion oat flake but have a shorter cooking time. They also make a great addition in baking muffins, cookies and breads. Substitute 1 1/3 cups of oats for 1 cup of all-purpose flour in any of your favourite baking recipes.

Cooking Instructions:
Stir 1/3 cup of oat flakes into 2/3 cup of boiling water. Reduce heat, stir frequently, and cook until desired consistency is reached.

 

Nutrition Facts
Per 50g (Approx 1/2 cup)

Amount

% of Daily Value

Calories194  
Fat 3g
5%
Saturated Fat 0g
+ Trans Fat 0g
3%
Cholesterol 0mg  
Sodium 1mg 0%

Charbohydrate 33 g

11%

Fibre 6g 21%

Sugars 0 g

 

Protein 8g

 
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 3%
Iron 13%


Granola

Highwood Crossing Organic Sunflower Flaxseed Granola

A delicious 100% natural (no additives or preservatives) cereal made fresh each week with certified organic old fashion rolled oat flakes, whole flax and sunflower seeds, cold-pressed canola oil and amber maple syrup. Try our granola with milk, sprinkled on yogurt, fresh fruit, ice cream, or hot porridge! Also tastes great as a topping for muffins and cobblers.

Nutrition Facts
Per 50g (1/2 cup)

Amount

% of Daily Value

Calories 213  
Fat 8g
12%
Saturated Fat1g
+ Trans Fat 0g
4%
Cholesterol 0mg  
Sodium 2mg 0%

Charbohydrate 28 g

9%

Fibre 6g 23%

Sugars 3 g

 

Protein 8g

 
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 6%
Iron 15%


PowerGrains

Highwood Crossing Power Grains Wheat-Free Hot Cereal

Our unrefined organic wheat-free hot cereal has a delicious nutty flavor and is high in dietary fiber and low in fat! It is a heart-healthy blend of certified organic whole grains – hulled oats, millet, sunflower seeds and flax seeds and is a great way to start your day! One of the only hot cereals that is totally made up of whole grains – no extra processing here!

Cooking Instructions:
Rinse 1 cup of Power Grains mix and put in a saucepan, add 2.5 cups of cold water and soak overnight. In the morning bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer for about 15-25 minutes or until desired consistency is reached. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Can also be cooked in a crock-pot or slow cooker on low overnight. Cooking times will vary depending on slow cooker used. 1 cup of Power Grains mix makes about 4 servings of hot cereal.

Some of our customers are using power grains as a pilaf for an interesting whole grain side or main dish. Soak these whole grains overnight for a quick hot cereal or put in your crock-pot for an instant hearty breakfast (directions on back label). 1 cup of Power Grains Mix makes about 4 servings.

Cereals may also be cooked the night before and reheated in a minute or so in the microwave.

Nutrition Facts
Per 50g (1/3 cup)

Amount

% of Daily Value

Calories 210  
Fat 7g
11%
Saturated Fat1g
+ Trans Fat 0g
4%
Cholesterol 0mg  
Sodium 4mg 0%

Charbohydrate 30 g

10%

Fibre 6g 23%

Sugars 1g

 

Protein 8g

 
Vitamin A 0%
Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 3%
Iron 12%