There’s almost no limit to the culinary possibilities of peanuts and peanut butter as new and innovative products made from USA-grown peanuts are extending the possibilities for foodservice professionals.
Defatted roasted peanut flour provides a fat-free, gluten-free boost to a variety of food items. It contains over twice the protein than all purpose white wheat flour. This healthy flour is a great thickener for soups, a flavourful and aromatic ingredient for a variety of breads and pastries, as well as a creative and flavourful coating for meats, fish and other centre-of-the-plate proteins.
Refined peanut oil is great to use in cooking as it is naturally trans fat-free, with no cholesterol and allergen-free (due to extensive processing that removes the protein allergen), this popular oil is ideal for frying applications. It does not absorb food flavours and has a high smoke point of 450oF (230oC) making it very durable. It's been the preferred frying oil for numerous restaurants for many years it is low in saturated fats, has a high smoke point, a pleasant flavour enhancement and long-lasting durability.
Aromatic roasted peanut oil (unrefined) retains a rich, golden colour and is a flavourful alternative to other first processing oils. Naturally trans fat-and cholesterol-free, it is a great choice for salad dressings, roasting vegetables and the many other uses.
Peanut butter comes in many varieties. Long gone are the days of only having the choice of creamy or crunchy. Now you can find many that come in a sweet or savoury variety; flavours that include dark chocolate, banana, maple, onion parsley and Thai ginger. No matter what flavour you choose all peanut butters are naturally cholesterol-and trans fat-free. Peanut butter is great on its own or as a wonderful addition to a variety of recipes — from desserts to beverages to main courses.
Peanuts also come in several varieties such as Runner, Valencia, Spanish and Virginia. Each variety has its own qualities suitable for specific foodservice purposes.
The only limit to USA-grown peanuts and peanut products seems to be our imagination!
From a heath perspective, peanuts and peanut butter pack a powerful nutritional punch:
- They are naturally cholesterol-free.
- They are full of protein – the most of any nut.
- They have zero trans fat.
- They contain over 30 essential vitamins, minerals and antioxidants.
- And eating them may be good for your heart.
What’s not to love about that?