“Shell Dust” is a curious name for a food product. If you Google “shell dust,” you will learn that inhaling sea shell dust may pose a serious health hazard. And that this subject is, for some reason, interesting to people who play banjos.
You will also find that there’s a local business with that name in Westerville, and it makes peanut butter…from peanuts (not peanut shells). It also makes almond butter and a host of variations on the nut butter theme.
The house Roasted Almond and Peanut Butter combo is the most popular item. A “natural” nut butter, it’s surprisingly smooth and stirrable right from the jar, with only a hint of oil separation up top. There’s not a lot of work involved in the stirring process, as is usually the case with fancy nut butters.
And the flavor? Perfect, with a full-bodied nutty freshness that is truly appreciated. Of course, there’s a little mental distraction as you ask yourself, “Did they grind up shells in this?” But the answer is neatly and reassuringly provided in the ingredient list: roasted almonds, roasted peanuts, and a few other nice, fully edible enhancements such as sugar and honey. The end product is just a good, harmonious mix that’s both fully spoonable and spreadable.
And for purists, there’s also a house peanut butter version with no added sugar as well. It also comes in chocolate-enhanced flavors.
It’s worth noting that Shell Dust is the butter-of-choice for some beloved local confectioners. The operation has provided featured ingredients for a confection from Mmelo Boutique, and Shell Dust is also used in flavors at Charlotte & Olivia’s ice creams such as Buckeye Proud and PB&J.
But you can get your own jar, straight and undiluted at Just Pies, local farmers markets, and online at shell-dust.com.