You may have heard that not all nuts are sustainable. Nuts such as almonds require large amounts of water to cultivate, meaning plant-based alternatives like almond milk may not be as good for the environment as we might think – and our recent ‘How Sustainable Are Nuts?’ article goes into more detail about why some nuts have a high carbon and water footprint.
Despite this, nut lovers among us still have plenty of more sustainable options to choose from. Brazil nuts, walnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts all have a relatively low rate of water consumption compared to almonds, cashews and pistachios.
Fortunately for us, Brazil nuts, hazelnuts, walnuts and chestnuts are all easily accessible to buy in Hong Kong! If you’re looking to switch up your almond or cashew recipes with these more sustainable nuts, here are some ideas to get you started.
See also: How Sustainable Are Nuts?
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts have a smooth buttery texture and are one of the most energy-dense nuts you can find. Their benefits include helping to regulate your thyroid gland, reducing inflammation and supporting your immune system.
It’s hard not to love a good nut butter. This Brazil Nut Butter recipe takes less than 20 minutes to make – simply roast the nuts, drop them into a processor and blend!
Get the recipe here
Brazil nuts also have an extremely satisfying texture, so they are perfect for adding to cakes and breads for that extra nutty crunch. We have our eye on this Brazil Nut Banana Bread!
Get the recipe here
Walnuts
Walnuts are very high in fibre and omega-3 fats. Walnuts are also a good source of antioxidants, meaning they can help fight against conditions such as heart disease and Alzheimer’s, which are caused by oxidative stress.
Living in Hong Kong, most of us are probably familiar with traditional Chinese walnut cookies. This vegan, gluten-free version of the local favourite offers a healthier, plant-based alternative while maintaining the unique walnut-y fragrance we all know and love.
Get the recipe here
Walnuts are also a common ingredient in vegan cheese – which is why we think this Walnut Cheese Vegan Sauce is going to be absolutely delicious. All you need is five ingredients and five minutes to prepare the sauce! Use it in pasta, or as a dip for a summer platter.
Get the recipe here
Chestnuts
Chestnuts are a good source of potassium and fibre. The fibre in chestnuts acts as a prebiotic and helps to maintain a healthy gut environment.
Though you might immediately think of traditional chestnut stuffing and fillings, chestnuts are actually extremely versatile – their starchy texture and subtle sweetness makes them ideal in a variety of sweet and savoury dishes.
This Chestnut, Mushroom and Thyme Casserole reminds us how easy it is to cook up a sumptuous dish with basic ingredients. The nutty sweetness of the chestnuts works extremely well with the mushrooms and the umami flavour of miso, creating a divine sauce for the mashed potato to soak up.
Get the recipe here
For an Asian-inspired chestnut dish, we would go for this Braised Mushroom, Chestnut and Tofu Bowl. This bowl is packed full of essential nutrients and offers an extremely balanced meal – from the protein in the tofu and mushrooms to the healthy carbohydrate in the chestnuts.
Get the recipe here
Hazelnuts
If you’re looking for ways to increase omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids in your diet, hazelnuts are the way to go! Aside from this, hazelnuts are also high in vitamin E, manganese and copper.
This vegan, gluten-free Nutella Hazelnut Spread takes the ‘guilt’ away from the guilty pleasure of Nutella. Add it to your morning toast, yoghurt or smoothies; believe us, it will brighten up any rainy day.
Get the recipe here
This moist and soft Hazelnut Vegan Cake is also pretty divine – think Ferrero Rocher in the form of a loaf!
Get the recipe here
See also: 8 Plant-based Snacks to Make This Summer
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