Peanuts and entertaining

When it comes to peanuts, the culinary possibilities for the foodservice industry are endless, especially when you consider the cost-effectiveness of this healthy nut. The versatility of peanuts and peanut products lends not only to cooking with the powerful legume, but also cooking with peanut oil (refined and aromatic roasted), peanut butter and peanut flour.

Now that spring is finally here, it may be a good time to refresh menus to add some flair and versatility. The recipe spotlight section of the PBC website offers three new and fresh recipes that just may inspire a menu update. Recent research shows that we Canucks have a love affair with peanuts and peanut butter. Based on research conducted by Erickson, the perfectly powerful peanut remains a staple in Canadian homes:

  • •   90% think peanuts or peanut butter are a healthy food choice
  • •   Overall peanut butter consumption increased to 96% in 2014, up from 94% in 2013
  • •   Nearly all Canadian households consume peanuts:
    • -   95% of households eat peanuts at least every few months
      -   58% eat peanuts at least once per week
      -   More than half (52%) of households regularly have peanuts on hand
      -   60% of Canadians regularly snack on peanuts, making them the second most preferred snack food item after (#1) potato chips (66%)
  • •   Nearly all Canadian households consume peanut butter:
    • -    96% of households consume peanut butter at least every few months
    • -    79% eat peanut butter at least once per week
    • -    83% of households have peanut butter on hand

Source: Erickson Research