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What is Nutritional Yeast and Why You Should Eat It

Posted on by Paula Gallagher

nutritional-yeastIf you haven't tried nutritional yeast yet, you should! Nutritional yeast is specifically cultivated as a food crop for use as a nutritional supplement and to add flavor to foods. It has a deliciously nutty, slightly sweet and cheese-like flavor. This yeast is flaked for easy use and it blends especially well with liquids. Plus it is super good for you! Here are some reasons why you should try it. Nutrient rich: Nutritional yeast is rich in B vitamins. The yellowish color of the yeast comes from the concentration of the B vitamin riboflavin. Some nutritional yeasts contain high-quality protein, with both essential and nonessential amino acids, as well as the vitamins niacin, thiamine, biotin and folic acid, and minerals selenium, chromium, zinc, phosphorus and magnesium. Gluten free: Primary-grown nutritional yeast is grown on mixtures of beet and sugar cane molasses. After it is grown and the fermentation process is complete, the yeast is harvested, washed, pasteurized, and dried at a high temperature. As a result, this yeast is guaranteed to be free of the Candida albicans strain of yeast. It contains no gluten. Vegan friendly: Some people find that it has a cheese-like flavor, so this vegan food can be used in place of cheese! It is also a good source of B12 and a complete protein! All that in those little flakes. Easy on the tummy: This yeast is very easy to digest. Its delicious nutty-roasted taste lends itself to many cuisines. Budget friendly: It's inexpensive and if stored in an air tight container in a cool dry place, nutritional yeast can stay in your pantry for a year. It is easily found in bulk, so you can buy as little or as much as you want . Here are some ways to incorporate nutritional yeast into your diet : • Sprinkle it on popcorn • Stir it into mashed potatoes • Add a little to the cooking water for “cheesy grits” or polenta • Sprinkle on any pasta dish • Add a tablespoon or two to bean dishes to enhance flavors • Make almond “parmesan" (see below). Recipe for Almond Parmesan Blend 1/4 cup nutritional yeast and 1/3 cup whole raw almonds in a blender or food processor until crumbly. Store in the refrigerator. Photo from here, with thanks.
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