WHAT'S IN MY KITCHEN : PIC'S PEANUT BUTTER

I first discovered Pic's on their first day in Maltby Street Market almost a year ago in the form of a delicious protein peanut butter milkshake!

I've always been a peanut butter fan, not only because it is so tasty and versatile, but also because of the phenomenal nutritional qualities of peanuts. Peanuts contain healthy fats, as well as being a source of protein and fibre and are also low in sodium and cholesterol free (need I go on?). However, I've found that a lot of the popular brands and supermarket peanut butters contain unnecessary and unhealthy additional ingredients such as added sugar, salt and oils such as palm oil. This not only affects its nutritional benefits but it also takes away from the great taste of peanuts.

Pic's is therefore somewhat unique in that it only contains peanuts! Not only this, but Pic's only uses hi-oleic peanuts, grown in Australia and roasted in New Zealand. These contain a higher amount of oleic acid compared to standard peanuts. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid, as a good a fat as olive oil, and reduces the amount of LDL (bad cholesterol), while boosting the levels of HDL (good cholesterol). This provides health benefits as well as giving the peanut butter greater stability, which enables it to have a longer shelf life.

There's evidence to show that a few servings of peanuts a week can help reduce the risk of cardio disease and lowers total and LDL cholesterol levels and in hi-oleic peanuts these benefits are magnified because of the even greater ratio of good oleic acid present.

The founder Pic is really passionate about his products and is committed to ever expanding their range of high quality nut based goods, which now includes almond & cashew butter and peanut oil. Finally, their website has some great recipe ideas as well as information about their production methods and UK stockists.

Check out my recipes using Pic's peanut butter for Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Protein Pudding, as well as for Spicy African Peanut and Pumpkin Soup and Chocolate Peanut Butter Muffins.