Description
Irca 100% Unsweetened Hazelnut Paste (Pasta Nocciola) is a pure, professional-grade ingredient crafted from finely ground roasted hazelnuts. Since 1919, Irca has been a staple in Italian pastry, and this paste represents the pinnacle of natural flavor—containing 100% hazelnuts with absolutely no added sugars, emulsifiers, or oils. It features a deep brown color and an intense, authentic aroma achieved through a precise roasting process.
As a Canadian seller based in Calgary, Alberta, we provide these authentic Italian flavorings with fast shipping across Canada to support artisanal gelato makers and pastry chefs in their pursuit of unadulterated quality.
BEST FOR: Authentic hazelnut gelato, flavoring pastry creams, custom praline centers, ganaches, and savory nut-based sauces.
DIETARY NOTE: 100% NATURAL, GLUTEN-FREE, VEGAN, AND UNSWEETENED. CONTAINS HAZELNUTS; MAY CONTAIN TRACES OF OTHER NUTS.
Why It Works
-
Pure 100% Hazelnuts: Contains only roasted hazelnuts, ensuring a clean-label product with no declarable additives or hidden sugars.
-
Intense Roasted Profile: Advanced roasting techniques extract the maximum essential oils and aromatic depth from the nuts for a bold flavor impact.
-
Ultra-Fine Consistency: Ground to a perfectly smooth, uniform paste that integrates seamlessly into liquid bases without leaving a grainy residue.
-
Total Creative Control: The unsweetened format allows chefs to manage their own sugar-to-nut ratios in custom praline and chocolate formulations.
-
Exceptional Versatility: Highly concentrated and fluid, it can be used for both sweet pastry applications and savory culinary infusions.
Use Cases
-
Artisanal Gelato & Ice Cream: The primary ingredient for a traditional, high-quality hazelnut gelato that boasts a natural, unadulterated nut flavor.
-
Fine Pastry Flavoring: Stir into pastry creams, custards, or cake batters to provide an aromatic nutty depth without altering the sweetness level.
-
Chocolate & Pralines: Mix with tempered chocolate or cocoa butter to create pure, high-intensity hazelnut ganaches and bonbon fillings.
-
Culinary Infusions: Incorporate into savory vinaigrettes, crusts for roasted meats, or modern savory foam preparations.
Specs
-
Size: 5 KG (11 lbs).
-
Brand: Irca (Since 1919).
-
Ingredients: 100% Roasted Hazelnuts.
-
Format: Fine, smooth, dark brown paste.
-
Storage: Store in a cool, dry, darkened place (max 20°C); stir well before use.
-
Origin: Italy.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Is there sugar added to this paste? No, this is a 100% pure hazelnut paste with no added sugars, sweeteners, or salt.
-
Why is there oil at the top of the pail? Oil separation is a natural hallmark of 100% nut pastes and indicates a product free from stabilizers; simply stir the paste to restore its smooth consistency.
-
Does this product need to be refrigerated? No, it has a long ambient shelf life when stored in a cool, dry place; however, it should be kept away from light and heat to protect its oils.
-
Is Irca 100% Hazelnut Paste gluten-free? Yes, it is made solely from hazelnuts and is certified gluten-free.
-
What is the shelf life once the pail is opened? In original packaging, it lasts at least 15 months; once opened, keep it tightly sealed in a cool environment to maintain peak flavor.
-
How much should I use to flavor ice cream? While ratios vary by recipe, it is common to use approx. 80-100g of paste per kg of neutral base for a standard hazelnut flavor.
-
Can this be used as a standalone spread? While pure, it is very liquid and intense; it is better suited as an ingredient or base for a custom spreadable cream.