Flaked Oats
$2.25 – $4.49
Flaked Oats: Enhance Mouthfeel and Body in Your Brews
Flaked oats are a popular adjunct used in brewing to enhance the mouthfeel, body, and texture of your beer. These oats are pre-gelatinized, making them easy to use in the brewing process, and they contribute to a smooth, creamy texture that is especially desirable in certain beer styles, such as stouts, porters, and hazy IPAs.
How Flaked Oats Are Used in Brewing
Flaked oats are typically added to the mash, where they contribute to the overall mouthfeel and body of the beer. Unlike malted barley, flaked oats contain a higher percentage of proteins and beta-glucans, which help to create a fuller, creamier texture. This makes them ideal for beers where a rich, velvety mouthfeel is desired.
Common Beer Styles for Flaked Oats
- Stouts and Porters: Flaked oats are often used in stouts and porters to add a creamy, smooth mouthfeel that complements the roasted malt flavours. They also contribute to a fuller body, making the beer feel more substantial on the palate.
- Hazy IPAs: In hazy IPAs, flaked oats are used to enhance the haze and add a soft, pillowy texture that balances the hop bitterness. The result is a beer with a smooth, juicy mouthfeel and a cloudy appearance that’s characteristic of the style.
- Cream Ales and Other Light Ales: While flaked oats are commonly associated with darker beers, they can also be used in lighter ales to add subtle body and a smooth finish without overpowering the delicate flavours.
Technical Specifications
- Usage Rate: Flaked oats are typically used at 5-20% of the total grain bill, depending on the desired level of mouthfeel and body.
- Enzyme Activity: Flaked oats have no diastatic power, so they should be used in conjunction with malted grains that provide the necessary enzymes for starch conversion during mashing.
- Appearance: Flaked oats are pale and flattened, with a slightly fibrous texture. They are easy to incorporate into the mash and dissolve well during the brewing process.
Why Use Flaked Oats?
- Enhance Mouthfeel: Adds a smooth, creamy texture to your beer, creating a fuller, richer mouthfeel.
- Improve Body: Contributes to a fuller body, making your beer feel more substantial and satisfying.
- Versatile: Suitable for a wide range of beer styles, from rich stouts and porters to hazy IPAs and cream ales.
Flaked oats are an essential ingredient for brewers looking to enhance the texture and body of their beer. Whether you’re brewing a thick, creamy stout or a soft, juicy IPA, flaked oats provide the perfect touch of smoothness and complexity.