It is incredible how many patients we see, and how many health-care practitioners that I speak with who avoid peanut butter, stating that is is "too allergy forming" and an unhealthy food. This is not true. For those with peanut allergies, yes - please avoid peanut butter. But for those without a food allergy there is not really an issue with peanut butter, and in fact peanut butter when freshly made from freshly roasted peanuts is a real tasty treat indeed.
Many people, including some health-care practitioners, avoid peanut butter, believing it to be “too allergy-forming” or unhealthy. This perception is not entirely accurate. While those with peanut allergies should definitely steer clear, for the majority of us, peanut butter is a delicious and nutritious option. The key is choosing the right kind: fresh, homemade peanut butter made from freshly roasted peanuts is a whole different experience from the store-bought varieties.
Commercial peanut butter often contains low-quality ingredients, and it’s not uncommon to taste rancid peanuts in the mix. Additionally, you can’t always be sure whether the peanuts used are genetically modified (GE) or non-GE, which can be a concern. That’s why making your own peanut butter is a great idea. All you need are some organically grown peanuts from your local health food store, and you’re set.
The best peanuts I’ve ever tasted were from Kingaroy in Queensland, Australia—also known as the peanut capital of Australia. Freshly harvested and roasted, these peanuts have a flavor that’s unparalleled. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll never look at peanuts the same way again.
Making fresh peanut butter at home is incredibly easy, especially if you have a Vita Mix blender. Once you whip up a batch, you’ll wonder how you ever settled for the store-bought stuff. Here’s how you can make your own creamy, delicious peanut butter.
Speed: Variable to High
Time: 1 minute
Ingredients:
– 3 cups (440 g) unsalted roasted peanuts
1. Pour the peanuts into the Vita Mix container and secure the lid.
2. Select Variable 1 speed.
3. Turn the machine on and quickly increase the speed to Variable 10, then High, using the tamper to push the peanuts into the blades.
4. In about 1 minute, you’ll hear a high-pitched chugging sound. Once the butter begins to flow freely through the blades, the motor sound will change to a lower pitch. Stop the machine.
5. Store your fresh peanut butter in an airtight container. For longer storage, it can be frozen.
– Cashew Butter: Substitute dry-roasted cashews. If necessary, add oil (start with 3 tablespoons) during blending.
– Almond Butter: Substitute dry-roasted whole almonds. Add 1/2 cup of light-flavored oil during blending. Refrigerate and pour off excess oil the next day.
Making your own fresh peanut butter not only ensures you’re eating a healthier, tastier product, but it also allows you to experiment with different nuts and variations. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your peanut butter means you can enjoy it with peace of mind.
Happy blending!
Here’s our Almond Cashew Butter