Why you need to try these organically farmed oats

Flahavan’s has been working in harmony with nature for more than 240 years to bring the best possible oats to your table

From hearty bowls of porridge to creamy smoothies and irresistibly chewy flapjacks, oats can be used in all sorts of everyday recipes – and choosing a high-quality organic option, such as Flahavan’s, can make all the difference to the results.

But what is it that sets organic food apart?

What organic really means – and why it’s worth it

Organic crops are grown using natural farming methods, with no synthetic pesticides or artificial fertilisers and a greater focus on supporting soil health and wildlife habitats. In other words, organic farming gives back to the environment, helping to futureproof food production for future generations.

This nature-friendly approach has various benefits, including:

● High quality: organic certification is a stamp of quality, trust and transparency, so you can be sure the ingredients have been grown in the most natural way possible.

● Exceptional taste: organically farmed plants often produce more of their own antioxidants, which can contribute to better taste, aroma and texture.

● More biodiversity: according to the Soil Association, organic farms are home to around 75% more wild bees and 50% more plant, insect and bird life on average than non-organic farms.

Get to know Flahavan’s

As the oldest family-run food business in Ireland, Flahavan’s has spent seven generations refining its milling process to create the distinctively rich texture, toasted aroma and naturally creamy taste of its oats. Today, it’s the UK’s leading organic oat brand, working closely with around 180 small organic farming suppliers.

From the field to the finished oat, Flahavan’s is focused on making responsible choices every step of the way. The crops are grown in environments designed to support biodiversity, while its milling processes incorporate renewable energy. For instance, the mill’s boiler is solely powered by burning oat hulls (a by-product of milling), which in turn produces steam for cooking.

In fact, Flahavan’s generates 70% of its own energy on site through wind turbines, water turbines and solar panels, and100% of its electricity supply comes from renewable resources.

To find out more, visit the Flahavan’s website here and follow @FlahavansUK on Instagram and Flahavan’s UK on Facebook.

Your organic essentials

From responsible growing methods to a satisfying flavour and texture, there are many reasons why Flahavan’s oats deserve a place in your kitchen cupboard. With all the care that goes into producing them, it’s no surprise they’re a staple ingredient across the nation, with more than six bags sold every minute.

The Organic Porridge Oats are prized for their smooth, creamy consistency, making them ideal for breakfast bowls and overnight oats, and the Organic Jumbo Oats are larger with a little more bite, so they’re perfect for bakes and homemade granola.

However you enjoy them, Flahavan’s oats offer an easy, delicious way to bring 100% wholegrain goodness into your everyday diet. They’re naturally low in salt and saturated fat, and a good source of fibre – a nutrient that many UK adults fall short on. Plus, you only need to add a handful of fruit, nuts or seeds to turn them into a balanced meal.

Need some oat-spiration?

Try using Flahavan’s Organic Porridge Oats to whip up this simple breakfast that’s as tasty as it is nutritious.

Flahavan’s coconut & strawberry overnight oats

SERVES 2 | PREP 5 mins plus chilling | NO COOK | EASY

Grow your own

Growing your own porridge toppings, such as rhubarb, raspberries and strawberries, is an easy way to enjoy better, more sustainable breakfasts. February’s a great time to get ready for strawberry season – and growing them is simpler than you think.

Just pop some strawberry seeds on a damp paper towel, then chill in the fridge for two to four weeks, to break their dormancy. You can then sow them indoors in trays of damp, peat-free compost (thinly cover as they need light to grow) and keep at around 18°C – germination can take up to six weeks. Once the weather permits, plant outdoors about 35-40 cm apart, or grow in pots. Water regularly, protect fruits with straw, and use well-secured eco netting to discourage birds. You’ll be able to harvest your strawberries in early summer.

And to help you get growing, you can enter Flahavan’s free prize draw for a chance to win one of 20 annual Garden Organic memberships, plus a Flahavan’s organic hamper.

Want to win a Flahavan’s organic hamper and a Garden Organic annual membership?