[dannyjed]

I was planning on adding some toasted oats to my Brown Ale recipe. I've never toasted them before, so what's your method?

[nateo]

Heavy cast iron skillet, keep them moving. I do it that way If I need to make small amounts of toasted grain, from lightly toasted to black barley.

I'll throw the grain in the oven if I need to do a lot of it.

[leejoreilly]

Spread 'em on a cookie sheet, into a 350F oven until they start to get a little color on them; maybe 15-20 minutes or so.

[beersk]

Spread 'em on a cookie sheet, into a 350F oven until they start to get a little color on them; maybe 15-20 minutes or so.

This is what I do, smells up the house nicely.

[tom]

Then use them right away or let them mellow for 1-2 weeks?

[leejoreilly]

Then use them right away or let them mellow for 1-2 weeks?

I've always toasted just before using, but only as a matter on convenience. I don't see any harm in storing them for a while, but I don't really see much benefit either (aside from the convenience thing).

[nateo]

If you're doing a dark roast you should let them breathe for a few weeks. For light toasting waiting isn't necessary.

[dannyjed]

So, last night I did a dark roast (55 min @ 325) and moved them around every 15 min.  I used Old Fashioned Oats and the smell was rather bad, in fact my wife said it smelled like paint.  The color is golden brown and I'm afraid to use them now because of the smell.  I tasted some and couldn't taste anything really bad, but I plan on brewing this weekend and it sounds like they need to mellow for awhile.

[weithman5]

i have not done oats but i have a roasting oven that you see people use around thanksgiving.  i roast my own barley in it. very easy.

[tubercle]

I usually roast a bunch of various grains all at one time (not mixed) then blend them together for the recipe mix and store them in quart jars with a coffee filter on top held in place with a rubber band. I can't tell any difference in those used right away vs letting them air out except the odor diminishes. The taste seems the same.