Food of the Month: Nutritional Yeast

What is it? 

Nutritional yeast is a deactivated yeast that doesn't produce a rising effect. It is usually found in the form of flakes or granules. 

Health Benefits

Nutritional yeast contains a complete protein meaning it contains 9 essential amino acids that your body can not produce.  It contains several B vitamins: thiamine, folate, B-6, and niacin which are used by the body to extract energy and produce red blood cells.  Nutritional yeast also contains protein and fiber which promote satiety.

Uses

Nutritional yeast can be used anywhere you might use cheese like on popcorn, in mac and cheese, in mashed potatoes, or in a pesto.

Storage

Nutritional yeast should be stored in an airtight container like a zip top plastic bag, plastic Tupperware or in a sealed glass jar.  It should then be placed in a dark space like a pantry or cupboard. 

Try this delicious recipe for oil free lemon basil pesto, https://foodrevolution.org/blog/plant-based-recipe-oil-free-basil-pesto/.  It uses nutritional yeast in the place of parmesan cheese.  All the taste without all the guilt!