Sunflower butter is a seed-based spread similar to peanut butter, with high nutritional value and is a good alternative for allergy sufferers. It went through refinement before becoming a marketable product and can be used in sandwiches, desserts, and as a nut butter substitute. Homemade sunflower spread can be made by combining pre-roasted and hulled sunflower seeds in a blender with vegetable oil, salt, and sugar.
Sunflower butter is a seed-based spread similar in texture and appearance to peanut butter. First developed in the 1980s, sunflower butter went through a lot of refinement before truly becoming a marketable product. The nutritional content of butter is often touted, as it is considered a good source of protein and unsaturated fat. The spread, which is now widely available in grocery stores and through online merchants, can be used in sandwiches, desserts, and can serve as a nut butter substitute in nearly any recipe.
Created by roasting and crushing the tiny seeds of the sunflower, this alternative butter went through many iterations before reaching a consumer-pleasing level. Early attempts at commercial sunflower butter were often considered too thick to spread, too salty, and sometimes had an unpleasant green hue. The United States Department of Agriculture worked with producers in the late 20th century to help improve product texture and appearance, as butter made excellent use of a native and abundant crop, as well as providing a valid food alternative for allergy sufferers . Modern roasting and manufacturing techniques have created a more spreadable and appealing base product that can be customized to suit many different tastes.
In terms of nutrition, sunflower spread is comparable to peanut or almond butter in many ways. Some versions of the spread are higher in protein and iron than peanut butter while providing less saturated fat. Sunflowers are naturally high in vitamin E and also contain a significant amount of fiber. Like peanut butter, sunflower butter can pack quite a few calories in a small serving. While a small amount of the spread can be a good way to increase your protein intake, eating too much can add excess calories and fat to a diet.
Sunflower butter can be a great way for nut allergy sufferers to enjoy many previously banned foods. In addition to sunflower and jelly sandwiches or sunflower and banana snacks, butter can work very well in variations on traditional peanut butter desserts, such as sunflower butter cookies. Some chefs note that adding baking soda to sunflower butter can turn the finished product green; using recipes based on baking powder may allow for more interesting results.
While the sunflower spread is available in grocery stores, it’s also possible to make a batch at home. Fresh butter can be made by combining pre-roasted and hulled sunflower seeds in a blender with vegetable oil, a shake of salt and a sprinkle of sugar. Ingredient quantities can be increased or decreased to suit individual taste, and sunflower seeds can even be purchased raw and roasted in the oven at home before blending. Homemade sunflower spread should be refrigerated and used within a few days.
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