How long does cooked oatmeal keep?

[east17]

Does anyone make up a big batch of oatmeal for the week? I was thinking about doing this, but wasn't sure how long it keeps. I've been making mine recently with organic jumbo oats and with half water, half skimmed (fat free) milk. I'm guessing the more milk you use, the quicker it needs to be used/eaten? What does everyone else do?

[east17]

Does anyone make up a big batch of oatmeal for the week? I was thinking about doing this, but wasn't sure how long it keeps. I've been making mine recently with organic jumbo oats and with half water, half skimmed (fat free) milk. I'm guessing the more milk you use, the quicker it needs to be used/eaten? What does everyone else do?

Sorry to have to bump, but anyone?

[jrsonico]

Does anyone make up a big batch of oatmeal for the week? I was thinking about doing this, but wasn't sure how long it keeps. I've been making mine recently with organic jumbo oats and with half water, half skimmed (fat free) milk. I'm guessing the more milk you use, the quicker it needs to be used/eaten? What does everyone else do?

is this another troll?
why on earth would someone make oatmeal for the whole week? its 2-3mins in microwave.
saving time? cmon.

[east17]

is this another troll?
why on earth would someone make oatmeal for the whole week? its 2-3mins in microwave.
saving time? cmon.

Because I want to take it to work with me and we don't have a microwaves/cooker. Didn't think it was 'that' crazy and idea.

[KoHuskie]

Mine gets hard after about 20 mins of sitting out. Ever leave some in a bowl? It's hell on the dishwasher, idk if I would be able to eat it if it was out longer than an hour or so.

[yoyoyolilembryo]

why dont you try it and let us know

[jrsonico]

Because I want to take it to work with me and we don't have a microwaves/cooker. Didn't think it was 'that' crazy and idea.

u dont have a microwave/cooker. how on earth do u cook your oats then?
then u just soak your jumbo oats with water n milk. more faster.
1-2mins of your time is a big deal?
such is a lie.

[KoHuskie]

u dont have a microwave/cooker. how on earth do u cook your oats then? such a lie.

I think he is saying he doesn't have a microwave at work.

[jrsonico]

I think he is saying he doesn't have a microwave at work.[/QUOTE]

i wish i do have in school.

[east17]

[img]
I think he is saying he doesn't have a microwave at work.

Thanks KoHuskie, thats exactly what I meant. We don't have a microwave at work so I wanted to cook them up and then take a bowl/tub in each day. I DO have a microwave and cooker at home and I normally cook them properly in a pan for 5-6 mins. I know I can soak them, but I don't think they are as nice that way. Anyway .. clearly I was crazy for asking. I guess i'll cook up a batch as see how well it keeps.

[Sendug]

When you soak them they turn out pretty much like soggy cereal, still just as tasty. I prefer mine hot but if I am in a rush I will soak them in milk with a little splenda and eat it as cereal.

[Beerslinger]

When you soak them they turn out pretty much like soggy cereal, still just as tasty. I prefer mine hot but if I am in a rush I will soak them in milk with a little splenda and eat it as cereal.

I make a batch of Steel Cut oats in my rice cooker and put the whole pot in the fridge with the lid on it. They keep fine, and I've had mine up to 4 days later. Don't know how big a batch you plan on making though. They'll be cold and gluey if you don't have a way to reheat them at work though.

I usually add a splash of cold water, microwave them, and then add a spoonful of Nat. PB and a scoop of On Vanilla Whey. Protien, Complex Carbs, Healthy Fats, What could be better.

[homerunrbi]

Just use hot water at work, than put a cover over your bowl for like 2-3 minutes

[east17]

I make a batch of Steel Cut oats in my rice cooker and put the whole pot in the fridge with the lid on it. They keep fine, and I've had mine up to 4 days later. Don't know how big a batch you plan on making though. They'll be cold and gluey if you don't have a way to reheat them at work though.

I usually add a splash of cold water, microwave them, and then add a spoonful of Nat. PB and a scoop of On Vanilla Whey. Protien, Complex Carbs, Healthy Fats, What could be better.

Hey, sounds good. I quite like my oatmeal cold (once its cooked) so quite happy to just add a bit of milk when I get to work. Wasn't planning on making to big a batch, probably just enough for about 3 days. You mentioned using a rice cooker, so does that mean you just kinda steam them? I still can't get use to making them with just water yet, so tend to make it using half water/half fat free milk. I think I'll make a batch up tonight and see how it goes.

[mbieker1]

Hey, sounds good. I quite like my oatmeal cold (once its cooked) so quite happy to just add a bit of milk when I get to work. Wasn't planning on making to big a batch, probably just enough for about 3 days. You mentioned using a rice cooker, so does that mean you just kinda steam them? I still can't get use to making them with just water yet, so tend to make it using half water/half fat free milk. I think I'll make a batch up tonight and see how it goes.

It should keep at least 5 or so days that way; I'd risk it at well over a week.

[dale1203]

Maybe this will help answer the question: search this -- Oatmeal in Jars: How to Make a Week of Breakfast in 5 Minutes Cooking

I didn't spend a lot of time researching this, but other grains such as rice and quinoa lose some of their nutritional value when stored in the fridge. Quinoa, for instance is reported to lose up to 50% of its nutritional value within the first 24 hours. So the above provides evidence that others have indeed considered the question that started this thread and have developed a convenient solution.

Personally, I use gluten free organic old fashioned thick rolled oatmeal and it takes only 5 minutes to cook to the degree I like, so I prefer to make it fresh every morning. I add the following: 1 T organic wheat bran (for fiber to help digest all of the protein I consume), 2T organic unfiltered flaxseed oil, a handful of organic walnuts and 1/2 cup of organic mixed berries to top it off and sweeten it up without adding sweetener. I always accompany this with a side of non fat Greek yogurt, a couple of omega3 organic eggs fried in organic unfiltered coconut oil or add 1/2 scoop of Nectar Natruals whey protein isolate (sweetens it a bit without any sugars and makes it a complete meal with 12g of added protein). I love oatmeal!

[stonechiseler]

Does anyone make up a big batch of oatmeal for the week? I was thinking about doing this, but wasn't sure how long it keeps. I've been making mine recently with organic jumbo oats and with half water, half skimmed (fat free) milk. I'm guessing the more milk you use, the quicker it needs to be used/eaten? What does everyone else do?

From Livestrong . . . The University of Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends that all cooked foods be thrown away if they have been sitting out for more than two hours. The "Star Tribune" "Master Oatmeal Recipe" claims that you can store cooked oatmeal from this recipe in an airtight container for up to seven days. The "Star Tribune" recommends that if you are not going to eat the oatmeal right away, store any cooked fruit mixtures separately in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you are ready to add them to the oatmeal. These fruit mixtures will last up to two weeks.

[necon76]

From Livestrong . . . The University of Virginia Cooperative Extension recommends that all cooked foods be thrown away if they have been sitting out for more than two hours. The "Star Tribune" "Master Oatmeal Recipe" claims that you can store cooked oatmeal from this recipe in an airtight container for up to seven days. The "Star Tribune" recommends that if you are not going to eat the oatmeal right away, store any cooked fruit mixtures separately in the refrigerator in an airtight container until you are ready to add them to the oatmeal. These fruit mixtures will last up to two weeks.

[sewellman78]

I actually have a shortage of time in the AM as well. Not with cooking; but with sitting down and eating 1-2 cups of oatmeal. I don't wake up with that much of an appetite; but I have to pile it down and it takes a while. So i make up a big batch in advance and blend it in the blender with Soy or Almond Milk and frozen fruit. Then I make a separate shake for my protein with eggs whites, soy or almond milk, etc. Yes, I have two shakes made or I could combine them (if my nutribullet was bigger), but I down both of them in my 30-45 min work commute. And no, I'm not about to eat a bowl of oatmeal in my car on the way to work. Making a oatmeal smoothie is just as convenient. I've kept my cooked, organic, plain oats in the fridge for up to a week with no issues.

[Jcart159]

I actually have a shortage of time in the AM as well. Not with cooking; but with sitting down and eating 1-2 cups of oatmeal. I don't wake up with that much of an appetite; but I have to pile it down and it takes a while. So i make up a big batch in advance and blend it in the blender with Soy or Almond Milk and frozen fruit. Then I make a separate shake for my protein with eggs whites, soy or almond milk, etc. Yes, I have two shakes made or I could combine them (if my nutribullet was bigger), but I down both of them in my 30-45 min work commute. And no, I'm not about to eat a bowl of oatmeal in my car on the way to work. Making a oatmeal smoothie is just as convenient. I've kept my cooked, organic, plain oats in the fridge for up to a week with no issues.

Or you could save yourself a lot of time and energy by skipping breakfast and allocating those calories to lunch and dinner.... just sayin.

I have never in my life had an appetite in the mornings, even if I ate nothing the day before. Therefor, I never eat 'breakfast' or early morning meals I guess. Life is good.

[jonnicola]

I normally eat the cold -/-

[Domicron]

it's probably expired after 5 years

[Amalyn]

is this another troll?
why on earth would someone make oatmeal for the whole week? its 2-3mins in microwave.
saving time? cmon.

Sheesh.. Steel cut oats do NOT take 2-3 minutes.. in anything..

[Amalyn]

I make a batch of Steel Cut oats in my rice cooker and put the whole pot in the fridge with the lid on it. They keep fine, and I've had mine up to 4 days later. Don't know how big a batch you plan on making though. They'll be cold and gluey if you don't have a way to reheat them at work though.

I usually add a splash of cold water, microwave them, and then add a spoonful of Nat. PB and a scoop of On Vanilla Whey. Protien, Complex Carbs, Healthy Fats, What could be better.

Is your rice cooker the fancy one with different settings? Just asking because I don't have that one and I wanted to try it out in my standard rice cooker...

[necon76]

Sheesh.. Steel cut oats do NOT take 2-3 minutes.. in anything..

Do they take 6 years?

[HStudio00]

I honestly don't know, because I've never done that with oatmeal. I would assume it would keep just like pasta (it's the same theory cooking-wise). Although IMO, it would probably be mushy and gummy and totally disgusting after a day or two.

One thing you might try instead is overnight oats, which is basically putting uncooked oats in a mason jar with some yogurt, milk, and usually protein isolate (if you want, it makes it be an "all in one" breakfast), then shaking it up really well and leaving it in the fridge overnight. Then in the morning just shake it up again and open and eat it, adding fruit or whatever toppings you want, if you want any. I do this when I know I'm going to be rushed for breakfast in the morning. It's super easy and really good, and takes only 2 or 3 minutes the night before.

[MetilHed]

Sheesh.. Steel cut oats do NOT take 2-3 minutes.. in anything..

Sheesh, when in the last 6 years did the OP say he was cooking steel cut oats, or the post you quoted ever refer to steel cut oats ?

[gbullock32]

Make overnight oats, nice and thick, no need to microwave.

[PsyLadX]

Make overnight oats, nice and thick, no need to microwave.

Right on. Keep it refrigerated though.