The Difference Between Pecan Flour and Pecan Meal

Pecans are among the nine nuts credited for being the healthiest nuts. They are a good source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and healthy fats. Raw pecans have numerous health benefits including boosting heart health, supporting immune health, and helping maintain good cholesterol levels. Raw pecans are exceptionally versatile and very popular as a snack item and recipe ingredient.

Versatility

Raw or roasted pecan pieces are often used as a dessert or salad topping. They can also be used as a recipe add-in to add a nuttiness to the dish. They can enhance the flavor and boost the nutritional value of any dish.

Pecan flour and meal are often used as an alternative to regular all-purpose flour. You can easily make both of these at home using a food processor. When the nuts are ground to their finest state, the result is flour. Less processing time results in pecan meal which has a coarser texture.

Nutritional Benefits

Pecan meal contains 2 grams of protein per tablespoon and 2 grams of fiber per two tablespoons. It is also a source of calcium, iron, vitamin C, and healthy fats. Pecan flour is a more carb-friendly option than wheat flour. It is also gluten-free and a good source of vitamin E.

Cooking with Pecans

In addition to the nutritional boost pecans provide, whether they be used as pecan pieces, flour, or meal, they also add a unique flavor to sweet and savory dishes. Raw pecans can be roasted to intensify their nutty flavor and give them a pleasantly crisp texture.

Pecan flour adds a subtle, palate-pleasing flavor to baked items such as pies, bread, cookies, and cakes. Pecan meal makes a good breading for chicken or other meats. It can also be used in desserts such as a berry crisp or apple crisp. Anytime you have unused pecan pieces left over from cooking or making flour, you can use them to make your morning breakfast cereal, granola, or trail mix you make them tastier and more nutritious. They can also be used to take simple desserts such as ice cream or pudding to a higher level of goodness.