Almond butter

Almond butter is a food paste made from grinding almonds into a nut butter. Almond butter may be crunchy or smooth, and is generally "stir" (susceptible to oil separation) or "no-stir" (emulsified). Almond butter may be either raw or roasted, describing the almonds themselves prior to grinding. It is recommended that almond butter be refrigerated once opened to prevent spoilage and oil separation.

History

The history of almond butter is tied to the history of the almond itself. Almonds are thought to have originated in regions in western Asia and North Africa. The use of almonds in food preparation dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans. However, the production of almond butter as a spread is a relatively recent phenomenon, gaining popularity in the 20th century as a healthier alternative to peanut butter.

Production

The production of almond butter involves selecting and roasting the almonds, if desired, and then grinding them into a paste. The grinding process can be done industrially, or at home with a food processor or blender. The almonds are typically ground until they become a creamy consistency, although some prefer a chunkier, more textured butter.

Nutrition

Almond butter is high in monounsaturated fats, which are heart healthy fats. It also contains good amounts of calcium, potassium, iron and manganese. It's a good source of protein, and also a good source of Vitamin E, a powerful antioxidant.

Uses

Almond butter can be used in a variety of ways in many different types of dishes. It can be spread on bread or toast, used in baking, added to smoothies, and used as a dip for fruits and vegetables. It is also commonly used in vegan and gluten-free recipes as a substitute for dairy butter.

See also

• Peanut butter
• Nut butter
• Almond milk
• Almond
• Health effects of almonds