5 FACTS ABOUT ALMONDS
1.
Almonds are the heavy weights of protein and fibre when it comes to nuts.
1 handful contains roughly 6.5 grams of protein and about 4 grams of fibre.
2.
Almonds are so versatile to use in the kitchen.
You can make milk, cheese, butter, oil, flour and paste. A great option to use for vegan and gluten free meals and baked goods.
3.
Almonds contain a high amount of magnesium, calcium, potassium and vitamin E.
They are helpful for the maintenance of healthy bones, blood sugar control and can help increase energy levels.
4.
Almonds are grown inside a hull or shell which is covered by an inedible fruit called a drupe. They are ready to harvest when the drupes dry out and split open to reveal the shell. Peaches, plums and cherries are also drupes that you can eat.
5.
Almonds as well as other nuts, seeds, legumes and grains contain antinutrients such as lectins, phytates and tannins that inhibit our enzymes from breaking down and absorbing certain essential vitamins and minerals and other nutrients.
The process of soaking, sprouting or fermenting can break down these antinutrients, allowing your body to digest and absorb all of the nutrients with ease.
HOW TO SOAK ALMONDS
EQUIPEMENT
bowl or mason jar
Dehydrator (optional)
INGREDIENTS
2 cups almonds
3-4 cups room temperature spring or filtered water
1 tbsp sea salt
METHOD
Place the water in a medium bowl or jar
Add the almonds and sea salt
Make sure the almonds are completely submerged in the water
Leave uncovered on the counter or other warm place for at least 8-12 hours
Rinse in a colander and they are ready for use
HOW TO USE YOUR ACTIVated ALMONDS
You can spread out the almonds on a baking sheet and leave out for 12 hours to dry. They will be soft and not crunchy, but very delicious and can be chopped and added to baked goods.
If you want them to have a crunch for snacking on, you can dehydrate them for 12- 25 hours at 95˚-100˚F. You can also dehydrate them in the oven but the lowest temperature is too high and will kill most of the beneficial enzymes and antioxidants.
If you are making almond milk or adding it to your breakfast smoothie, you can use the almond immediately after soaking.
STORAGE
You can store the dehydrated almond in an airtight container for a couple weeks in the pantry.
If they are dried on the counter or freshly soaked, I would suggest storing them in the fridge for up to 4 days.