BakeryBiz, Jan-Feb, 2021
The usage of walnuts in baked goods has been absolutely legendary. As a baker, whether you think of chocolate brownies, health bars, or cakes, one instantly connects them with the crunchy walnuts that do not just add a bite to any dessert, but more importantly, also bundles with them multiple health benefits
Walnuts can lend themselves beautifully to the preparation of all kinds of meals. It is one of the most versatile nuts you could possibly find. Walnuts have been identified as a nutrient dense food choice on several nutrient density ranking scales. The convenience, flavour, and versatility of these ‘super nuts’ combined with their nutrient profile make them an ideal, economical ingredient and snack. In addition, walnuts are naturally gluten-free.
Over the years, research has proven that walnuts are packed with nutrients to support the heart, brain, and gut. It’s easy to comprehend why walnuts are considered to be ‘super nuts’.
To appease the taste buds of their health-conscious clientele, an increasing number of hoteliers, restaurateurs and bakers are opting for walnuts to add flavor to every course from savoury appetisers to hearty entrées and desserts. This vastly versatile nut makes the perfect fit to add texture, crunch, and nutrition to meals. One can eat walnuts as a healthy snack, use them to boost the nutritional value of meals, and even fold them into the batter to make the most decadent banana bread.
The usage of walnuts in baked goods has been absolutely legendary. Generally, they pair very well with Apple, spices such as Cinnamon and Cloves, Caramel, Dates, Banana; the list is endless. Walnuts also pair very well with the Chocolate. They can be dipped in some melted chocolate and refrigerated before serving, making it a very novels nack.
As a baker, whether you think of chocolate brownies, health bars, or cakes, one instantly connects them with the crunchy walnuts that do not just add a bite to any dessert, but more importantly, also bundles with them multiple health benefits. With the continued growth of the bakery segment in India and a rise in demand for healthy eating, an increase in the use of walnut as an essential ingredient for the bakers has been imminent.
California Walnuts have made their space as an essential ingredient in the bakers’ kitchens. The benefits and the eminent value-add by use of walnut in any bakery product has been much appreciated by the customers both from health and taste perspective. Bakers, with an eye on consumer preferences and the associated health benefits, have been finding innovative ways of using walnuts in their offerings.
Walnuts rank high in the list of healthy plant-based foods. A nutrient powerhouse, walnuts comprise polyunsaturated fat(13g/18g), plant-based protein(4g/28g), fibre (2g/28g) and omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid (ALA).In fact, walnuts are the only tree nut to provide an excellent source of ALA – the plant-based form of Omega-3. In 28 grams (12-14halves; ¼ cup) there are 2.5 grams of ALA which is five times more than the amount found in the next highest nut!
