Activated Almonds (Soaked almonds)101: Recipe, Benefits & More!

Activated almonds are almonds that have been soaked in water for a minimum of 7 hours, typically overnight. They are a delicious and healthy snack on their own or you can add flavour of your choice.

The primary difference between activated almonds and raw almonds is that activated almonds are soaked in water, which causes them to sprout. Soaking removes the phytic acid from the almonds, an enzyme that can block nutrient absorption. Soaking almonds also helps to activate them, as the name suggests.

Are activated almonds good for you?

Definitely! Below are the benefits of activated almonds and why you should eat them:

• Soaked almonds are easier to digest, providing your body with more nutrients in the process.
•  Soaked almonds have a lower glycemic index than regular almonds, meaning they won’t cause as big of a spike in blood sugar levels.
•  Soaked almonds are a good source of magnesium, which is vital for energy production and muscle function.

Here’s an article that lists the benefits of soaked almonds. 

Note: Almond skin is high in lectins. If you are concerned about lectins in activated almonds, you can blanch them to remove them. Blanching is a process where you boil the almonds for a few minutes, then rinse them with cold water. It will help remove any lectins that may be present. 

You can also buy blanched almonds online.

How to make them at home

Use good quality raw organic almonds. Make sure they are unsalted and are not roasted.

Making activated almonds is easy – all you need to do is soak them in water for at least 7 hours, preferably overnight at room temperature. You can use an airtight container or a bowl covered with cling wrap to soak the almonds.

It’s important to ensure that the activated almonds are completely covered in water – the ratio should be about 3 cups for every cup of activated almonds. You can also add a pinch of sea salt and/or apple cider vinegar to help activate them further.

Once the almonds have finished soaking, drain the water and rinse them with fresh water. You can eat them raw, with or without almond skin. The almond skin comes out easily. You can also roast them in an oven or dehydrator if you like them crunchy.

Making activated almonds at home is cost-effective and very rewarding.

What flavours to add to activated almonds

If I am eating soaked activated almonds, I like to add a pinch of salt, lime zest and lime juice for a citrus kick.

If I am roasting activated almonds, I like to add any of the below seasonings before roasting them:

• For a salt and peppery flavour – salt and ground black pepper
•  For a sweet and cinnamon-rich flavour– coconut sugar and cinnamon
•  For a Japanese-inspired flavour – soy sauce and maple syrup
•  For a spicy flavour– cajun seasoning

Try adding herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a different flavour profile.

How you can use soaked almonds

Soaked almonds are a great way to get more nutrients and minerals into your diet. They have an excellent crunchy texture and an addictive taste that can make them a great addition to any snack or meal, and are incredibly versatile. They:

• can be eaten on their own as a quick snack on the go.
• can be added to salads or smoothies.
• can be used in recipes such as roasted activated almonds or activated almond butter, also known as sprouted almond butter.
• can be used to make activated almond milk and activated almond bark. For activated almond milk, blend activated almonds with water, a sweetener of your choice (such as honey or maple syrup) and a pinch of sea salt. It tastes incredibly delicious and is way better than store-bought almond milk.
• can also be boiled and roasted for a crunchy texture and nutty flavour.
•  can be used to make activated almond flour, a great gluten-free flour.
• can be used to make activated nuts granola, an excellent breakfast option.

Storage instructions

Store leftover soaked almonds in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to change the water daily, as it can turn murky due to the almond skin.

If you have roasted activated almonds, ensure they are completely dry before storing them in an airtight container. Dry roasted activated almonds stay good for months.

Serving Instructions

Soaked almonds is a popular snack in the Middle Eastern cuisine. Many also include them as part of a mezze platter. Few serving ideas:

• Serve them with tea. 
• Serve as part of a mezze platter.
• Serve them on their own.
• Add salt and lime juice to activated almonds.

TIPS

• Use filtered room temperature water.
• Do not use flavoured almonds. Soak raw, unroasted organic almonds for best results.

FAQ

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