Azar Nuts: Healthy Meat Alternative
Azar Nuts creates new plant-based protein mix made with California walnuts
AZAR Nuts, a division of Mount Franklin Foods, used the National Restaurant Association Show to introduce a new plant-based culinary line called, It’s Nature Walnut Crumbles.
Officials say the plant-based meat alternative product was inspired by chefs attending “Camp Walnut” sponsored by the California Walnut foodservice marketing program,
Made with chopped and seasoned California walnuts, the new It’s Nature Walnut Crumbles is a delicious plant-based protein that gives consumers a new meatless, soy-free protein option. The product, available in Chorizo and Italian flavors, is perfect for both foodservice operators and manufacturers looking to offer innovative, flavorful plant-based items.
In 2017, The California Walnuts Plant-Based IQ Survey found that the majority of consumers polled were looking to add more plant-based foods to their daily diets. More than 80% of Americans were open to eating and making meatless dishes, particularly if it had a similar taste or texture to meat-centric dishes. Participants specifically chose walnuts for their texture (70%), flavor (65%), and nutrients (62%). Omega-3 rich California walnuts are a perfect food to replace animal proteins across a wide range of menu applications.
It’s Nature Walnut Crumbles offer a simple base recipe to create a wholesome, plant-based protein dishes:
- Pulse Chickpeas (or bean of choice) in a food processor until a crumble forms
- In a warm skillet, mix the walnut crumbles with the pulsed chickpeas, vegetable oil, and white vinegar
- Heat on medium heat for 5 minutes and add to your recipe!
With a variety of applications, It’s Nature Walnut Crumbles are a value-added ingredient that can be used across any daypart.
For manufacturers, this product is perfect for healthy meal kits, creative toppings for salads, appetizers and entrées as well as an alternative for traditional ground meat inclusions. The product is available in five-pound bags in Chorizo and Italian flavors.
www.walnuts.org/food-professionals/food-manufacturing
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