There are many places in the world where a unique combination of climate, soil, water, rainfall and elevation produce distinctive delicacies: Mexican chilies, Turkish dates, Greek olives, French wine, Colombian coffee-the list goes on, and it most certainly includes Irish oats.
The precise climatic conditions and topography needed to produce some of the finest oats in the world are found in abundance in the lush Irish countryside. This is especially so in County Kildare and County Meath, where all of McCann’s® oats are grown.
The region’s temperate climate and strong rainfall produce plump, full grains, perfect for milling. Pure water from its many rivers, which feed into the Irish Sea, and rich, fertile soil boost the oats’ nutritional value. The grains ripen slowly, giving them more time to absorb nutrients from the soil. Along with rich texture and nutty flavor, this natural process yields oats that are nutritious.
The Irish know their oats
Ireland is often associated with potatoes, but in fact, potatoes were only introduced in Ireland around 1590. Oats go back much further. Based on references to oatmeal found in the Great Code of Civil Law, the Irish have been cultivating oats since around 438 A.D. There is evidence that even before this date, porridge was recognized in Europe as a characteristically Irish food. Since then, Irish oatmeal has changed very little: the porridge enjoyed by Irish people centuries ago was quite similar to the hot oatmeal in your bowl today.