SPECIALITY NUT BUTTERS
Pistachio butter:
Pistachios might be one of the oldest nuts
used in the world, but their spread format
is one of the newest. Made from roasted
pistachios, pistachio butter offers a very strong
nutty flavour and green colouring. The health
benefits of pistachios include contribution to a
healthy heart, weight management, protection
against diabetes and hypertension, and
improved digestion.
Macadamia butter:
Like peanut butter, macadamia butter is high
in fat but low in saturates. Whilst it’s not as
popular as peanut butter, it is the favoured
butter to spread across many types of bread
for lots of food bloggers. Known to reduce
blood pressure, control blood sugar levels
and improve bowel regularity, there are lots of
vegan ways you can enjoy the butter including
raw macadamia nut fudge squares.
Pecan butter:
This nut butter has a rich buttery flavour,
making the spread suitable for both savoury
and sweet dishes. Similar to macadamia this
nut spread is a good alternative to dairy butter
for vegans. Pecans are known to reduce blood
pressure, encourage weight loss, maintain
bone and teeth health and provide the body
with anti-inflammatory benefits. However, this
nut is also believed to be nourishing to the
skin as pecans contain zinc which helps you
maintain a healthy complexion.Brazil nut butter:
Brazil nut butter is a good way of getting the
daily recommended dose of selenium (the
nutrient that plays a key role in thyroid and
autoimmune health). Spread the rich natural
nut butter across crackers or use it as a dip to
dunk in your favourite fruit.Mixed nut:
Most natural mixed nut butters generally
blend the classic nuts like peanuts, hazelnuts,
cashews and almonds. Due to its cross
combination of nuts, the fat content in this
kind of spread does tend to be higher than
those that just use one nut. But, if you are
baking an indulgent treat don’t hesitate to
use — it gives dishes an incredibly rich nutty
flavour.Nut Butter Top Tips
1
Lots of natural nut butters
separate from the oil in the jar,
so be sure to give them a good
mix before use.2
If you are trying to eat
healthily, stick to small
amounts of nut butter. If you
consume too much in one sitting it
suddenly becomes detrimental to
any weight/fat loss goals due to its
high calorie content.3
If the nut butter is a little
bit too thick for your liking
add melted coconut oil to
smoothen the spread.4
Add superfood powders like
goji powder, camu powder,
spirulina powder, cacao
powder, or some maca powder.
But, be sure to add in small
amounts and adjust according to
taste. You don’t want to overpower
the natural nutty flavour.5
If you want to naturally
sweeten nut butter add spices
like cinnamon, nutmeg, and
cardamom.6
To use nut butter in a savoury
dish add spices like turmeric,
black pepper, or cayenne. Sea
salt is also recommended to help
heighten the flavour.7
If you are having a bad day
and your diet has gone out
the window do not hesitate
to spoon it out the jar. It’s great
comfort food, the Cook Vegan
Editor says.