How to activate almonds (2024)

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Why we should be nuts about this superfood - by Amy Mills

How to activate almonds (1)

WHEN Pete Evans revealed activated almonds were part of his daily diet a few years ago, many scoffed at this seemingly bizarre health trend.

However activated almonds – an ancient process which involves soaking almonds in water and salt and then dehydrating them at a low temperature for between 12 and 24 hours – are here to stay given they contain a host of essential nutrients, natural antioxidants, vitamin E, fatty acids and protein.

They are also a versatile and tasty snack or a yummy and nutritious addition to salads or homemade almond milk.

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Health experts also claim unsoaked nuts contain enzyme inhibitors, which can reduce the ability to absorb some of the nutrients within non-activated nuts, seeds, legumes and grains.

Queensland based holistic health and meditation teacher, Nicole King, says soaking nuts is essential for proper digestion.

“I’m nuts about nuts,” King told Better Homes and Gardens.

“Raw nuts are one of nature's finest high-protein foods and are rich in vitamins, minerals and good quality fats.”

She said in order to be truly functional as a superfood, nuts need some gentle treatment - hello, activation - to make them digestible.

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The activation process may vary slightly, but generally this is the process King says can be done at home saving a lot of money at the health food store.

1) Cover and soak nuts in Himalayan crystal salt water for required hours. This starts the germination process helping to break down the phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors. The salt increases the nutrient level by producing beneficial enzymes, especially B vitamins.
2) Drain and rinse
3) Dry in the oven or a dehydrator for around 12-24 hours. This makes the nuts surprisingly light and tasty and prevents mould prolonging the shelf life.

As a general rule with nuts, King says the harder the nut, the longer you need to soak.

She recommends soaking almonds for 12 hours, cashews between three and six hours [watch them as they can go slimy] and walnuts, hazelnuts, macadamias, pecans from seven to 12hours.

King says is also possible to activate and sprout grains and beans.

How to activate almonds (2)
Amy Mills

An experienced journalist and travel writer, WHO's Travel Editor has a particular interest in wellness and immersive travel and enjoys sharing must-visit secret spots from her adventures around the world with her two little boys in tow.

How to activate almonds (2024)

FAQs

How to activate almonds? ›

DIY activated almonds:

What does it mean to activate an almond? ›

Activating an almond or any nut is essentially soaking it in water for a period of time and then dehydrating it at low temperatures to ensure it retains its natural goodness. This simple process unlocks the nutritional potential of the nut and delivers a number of benefits.

Are activated almonds better for you? ›

Increases nutrient availability: By breaking down phytates and enzyme inhibitors, activated nuts and seeds become more easily absorbed by the digestive system, with better bioavailability of the nutrients contained within. This means you get more bang for your buck when it comes to nutritional value.

How to store activated almonds? ›

Store the almonds in an airtight container.

Store them in your pantry for 1 month. You can also store them in the fridge for up to 6 months.

What is the fastest way to activate almonds? ›

DIY activated almonds:

Place your raw almonds (not roasted or salted) in a nice big bowl and add enough water to cover them well because they will plump up. For every cup of nuts add 1 teaspoon of salt. Leave them to soak overnight or for around 12 – 14 hours. Rinse under running water.

How to activate nuts at home? ›

Soak the nuts/seeds* overnight in a pot of water with salt. The water should be covering the nuts and seeds. After 12 hours, drain the water away, rinse the nuts and lay out the nuts/seeds on a baking tray. Dry in the dehydrator for around 12-24 hours.

Why should you soak almonds before eating? ›

Soaked almonds are almonds that have been soaked in water for a period of time, typically overnight. Soaking almonds helps to improve their flavor and texture. It also makes them easier to digest and absorb nutrients. Soaked almonds are a good source of vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.

What happens to your body when you eat almonds everyday? ›

Almonds are rich in important nutrients for your body, including magnesium, vitamin E, and fiber. Almonds have both calcium and phosphorus, which are good for bone health. Almonds seem to help curb blood sugar spikes after meals, which is key for people with diabetes.

Which nuts should not be soaked? ›

For example, flax seeds turn into a mucilaginous goo in water, and brazil nuts don't always soak well due to their high fat content. Peanuts can also be soaked, however I didn't include them as they should be consumed sparingly due to inflammatory and allergenic potential.

Why do you soak nuts before dehydrating? ›

Nuts are only a nutrient-dense food when they're prepared correctly — soaked and sprouted, then dehydrated. The combination of warm water and the minerals in sea salt help to break down phytic acid by activating other helpful enzymes.

What is the difference between activated almonds and almonds? ›

An activated almond is an almond that has been soaked, most commonly in salt water, in order to stimulate the enzymes involves in the germination process.

How many almonds should I eat a day? ›

During an event on almonds, Ritika Samaddar, the Regional Head-Dietetics, Max Healthcare addressed this dilemma. She said, that for adults, eating 20-25 almonds a day is a healthy intake of nuts. For children, it limit of around 10 is a decent approach.

Do you need to activate almonds? ›

Whilst there is little in the way of solid scientific evidence (yet) that activated nuts, seeds, and other foods are healthier or more nutritious than their raw form, there is no doubt that activation greatly enhances the flavours and textures of the food, and the gratification and comfort provided in the eating!

What do almonds represent biblically? ›

In Christianity, the almond, with its seed concealed behind an outer hull and a hard shell, symbolizes the purity of the virgin and the hidden godliness within the human shape of Jesus. This is why Christian icons often feature the Virgin Mary and Jesus Christ within an almond-like mandorla, or frame.

What does "activated" mean in food? ›

Food activation is a simple process that helps to remove enzyme inhibitors and maximise the impact of beneficial nutrients. You can soak nuts, seeds, grains, and legumes in water — breaking down phytic acid and making your favourite foods easier to eat.

What is the spiritual meaning of almonds? ›

As the first flower of the year the blossom is the Awakener, hence it depicts watchfulness; it also represents sweetness, charm, delicacy. For the Chinese, it is feminine beauty, fortitude in sorrow, watchfulness. In the Christian tradition, the almond signifies divine favour and approval, and the purity of the Virgin.

What does it mean to call someone an almond? ›

Almond mom is almost always used as a negative term to criticize a person as endangering themselves and their families with poor nutrition and insufficient diets. The term is often used jokingly and hyperbolically to refer to parents obsessed with healthy nutrition.

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