Why Soak Nuts?
It is amazing that something as simple as soaking nuts and seeds can reap so many benefits for your health.
There are three main reasons for soaking nuts:
1. Increased nutritional value and better digestion
Soaked nuts and seeds improve your body’s ability to absorb nutrients. Nuts and seeds are nutritionally dense and contain nutritional inhibitors that protect and ensure the survival of those nutrients. By soaking nuts and seeds, you minimize or eliminate the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances as they are absorbed into the water. Without the inhibitors and toxic substances, the nutrients of the nuts and seeds are more readily available for absorption. Also, they are more easily digested by the body and promote beneficial bacteria growth in your colon.
2. Easier food preparation
By soaking nuts and seeds, they become softer and are easier to blend. They also become easier to use in creating dairy substitutes that contain good, healthy fats. For example, you can make Alfredo sauce by replacing the parmesan cheese with soaked cashews.
3. Enhanced flavor and texture
By soaking nuts and seeds, you change (improve) their flavor. Soaked nuts and seeds are hydrated, so their flavor is a bit more buttery and creamy. As the nut absorbs more and more water, it becomes plumper and the texture softens (hint: it is always a good idea to soak your nuts and seeds in a larger container to give them plenty of space for expansion).
How do you soak nuts and seeds?
It is simple, almost effortless. The harder the nut, the longer you need to soak it. Almonds do best when soaked for about 12 hours, whereas cashews only require a couple of hours since they are on the softer side.
Simply cover the nuts or seeds and soak them in spring or distilled water at room temperature. Make sure to strain and rinse the nuts or seeds after soaking to eliminate the residual water which contains the absorbed enzyme inhibitors and toxic substances.
Once you have given them a good rinse, enjoy them immediately or store them in your refrigerator for later. If you decide to store the soaked nuts, place them on top of a wet paper towel in an air tight container. It is also a good idea to give them a quick rinse every other day. They will last for approximately one week.
Always keep an eye on soaked nuts to make sure they are still fresh and edible. Once you start soaking your nuts and seeds (especially almonds and walnuts) you will want to make it a new practice. It transforms your nut-eating experience.
Soaked nuts and seeds are especially delicious!
Written by Lisa Saremi- Browse: Recipes
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