De-oiled flours and partially de-oiled flours have also arrived in Italy : but what are they?

These are flours that do not derive from wheat, but generally from oil seeds (the so-called dried fruit is among these, such as walnuts, hazelnuts, almonds, pistachios), from some types of legumes such as peanuts or from fruits such as coconut. With one substantial difference: most fats are eliminated during the manufacturing process, compared to their traditional counterparts.

All these flours in their normal version are gluten-free, they are natural, they do not derive from cereals but they also have a problem: they are rich in fat.

And often peanut, pistachio and hazelnut flours also have a very high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids: precisely because of their fats they are also ideal for creating so-called vegetable butters, which are very fashionable today. Think pistachio or peanut butter.

The problem is that often, precisely because we like them, we can consume them in excessive quantities.
This high fat profile is why they also have a lot of calories. In their normal version, that is, not de-oiled or degreased, these flours travel on 600 calories per 100 grams of product!

On the other hand, the de-oiled or degreased versions are always based on the same ingredients, but as I said, a large part of the natural oils of the seeds are removed. The result is a flour that will have fewer calories, more or less those of a wheat flour (between 350 and 400 approximately) and a percentage of fat that can vary from 4 to 25 grams compared to 50-65 grams of the traditional version. .

Examples of de-oiled flours that can currently be found easily on the market are degreased coconut flour, which compared to rapé coconut flour has very little fat and much more fiber and is now used in many light and gluten-free recipes; degreased peanut flour, which can be used cold to make peanut butter flavored toppings, in biscuits, shortbreads. The degreased almond flour.

DE-OILED OR DEGRASED FLOURS: WHERE TO FIND THEM?

1. Degreased coconut flour.

   It is found in organic shops, it is found online in many stores and hypermarkets. For example, make Baule Volante or Fior di Loto. It is the most common degreased flour, as we have seen it should not be confused with grated coconut flour or rapè. Among the de-oiled flours it is the one with the least fat and cannot be used as a substitute for rapé coconut flour. Very fibrous and with a high capacity to absorb liquids, it is perfect for making light and dietary desserts but also with very few carbohydrates, since those it has derive mainly from fiber. Once you understand how to use it, it is really useful for cooking in a dietary way. It is barely fragrant, but it has no reminiscence of rapé coconut flour, apart from the color. Look for example the shortcrust pastry with coconut flour andthis cake with coconut flour . Or the low carb pizza with coconut flour. 

   

2. Degreased peanut flour.

   The most famous brand that produces it is PB & Me. It tastes and smells similar to traditional peanut flour. Mixed with a little water, it allows you to have a peanut cream with very few calories. One tablespoon has around 30 calories versus 60 for traditional peanut flour. We can use it in biscuits, for creams, for crepe decorations or other. It is essentially found online, in some stores of sports nutrition products or on amazon. Here on Amazon there is a natural version and with added cocoa. PB2 Powdered Peanut Butter and PB2 with Premium Chocolate. (Pack of 2)

3. Of degreased almonds.

   This flour has about 9-10 grams of fat per 100 grams. It can be used for pastries, shortbreads, cakes such as caprese cake, for cold toppings. The quantities will change, because without fat the absorbing power is greater, and it cannot be used for example to make almond paste. An excellent compromise for those who love to delight in desserts. Today there are many companies producing it. PB & Me produces it (the same as peanut flour): Pb2 Foods Almond Powder Peanut Butter Powder, 189 gr . But also Bongiovanni: Degreased Almond Flour 500g BIO Gluten Free .

These three flours that we have just seen have longer expiration times, precisely because, with reduced fat, they have less risk of going rancid. However, they should be kept indoors and away from sources of light and heat.

Now let’s see the partially de-oiled flours: as the term clarifies, these are flours in which the fats are removed in part, generally for almost half. The de-oiled ones we have seen above, on the other hand, have a fat reduction of at least 80%.

Partially de-oiled flours

1. Partially de-oiled walnut flour.

   Mostly German companies produce it, for example you can find it here in the Piccantino store. Fats range from 15 to 16 grams. We can use it for shortbread, for cakes and biscuits.

   

2. Partially de-oiled hazelnut and pistachio flours.

   These are essentially produced in Italy by Pariani for online sales.
   They are already more similar to the non-oiled ones, because they have a higher fat content, from 20 to 25 grams. They are very delicate like the normal ones, but they are more versatile than the others and can be used more widely in pastry, replacing the doses of the normal ones. You can find it online, here , and the same goes for the partially de-oiled pistachio flour, which you can buy here. 
   From the date of opening, it is recommended to consume it after a few months.