INTRODUCING NUTRITIONAL YEAST.

Nutritional yeast is a little known ingredient, but those that know about it, rave about it.  It's typically used in it's flaked form, and often found in vegetarian and vegan recipes.  However, don't be confused with the types of active yeast that are used in baking bread and brewing beer.  This is very different!

Let's start with the 'good for you facts'.  There are a lot of them.  Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins, folic acid, selenium, zinc, and protein.  It's low in fat, gluten free, and does not have any added sugars or preservatives.  Many brands are also fortified with vitamin B12, which is crucial for vegetarian diets.

The flavour is both familiar, and different.  It's often described as cheesy and nutty, and I find it rich and comforting as well.  It can be used in sauces to add a cheesy flavour, or even as a pizza topping.  My personal favorites include sprinkling it over popcorn, as a seasoning for homemade kale chips, or to coat marinated tofu before frying.  You can also stir it into roasted vegetables before serving, or add it to your salad dressing.

If I've piqued your interest and you'd like to give it a try, you can find it at health food stores, bulk stores, or in the health food section of your grocery store.  I use the Bob's Red Mill brand.