Soaking nuts and seeds increases the number of nutrients and vitamins that your body can absorb from them. The outside of nuts and seeds contain an enzyme inhibitor, which protects the nuts and seeds until adequate levels of sunlight and moisture cause germination or sprouting. So, when nuts and seeds are eaten raw, without the enzyme inhibitor being removed, they can be difficult to digest and the body cannot readily absorb nutrients and vitamins. By soaking the nuts and seeds overnight for at least 8 hours, the moisture causes the nuts and seeds to release the enzymes and sprout (“come alive”). This soaking and sprouting process is also recommended when adding nuts and seeds to your recipes. If anything, glean the object lesson from the sprouting process… it’s a beautiful one :-)

CAUTION: Eating too many nuts and seeds, without soaking them first, may cause intestinal gas, leading to bloating and abdominal cramps due to the high fiber content. Adding too much fiber to your diet too quickly is a common cause of gas if you do not normally consume a lot of fiber.

Generally, how do I soak nuts and seeds?

1. Place a handful of one kind of nut or seed in a bowl or jar.
2. Cover with twice as much water as there are nuts or seeds.
3. Soak them overnight (or, depending on the nut or seed, anywhere between 4-12 hours).
4. Drain them, pat dry with a (paper) towel, and enjoy!
5. Store any remaining soaked nuts or seeds in the fridge in a plastic bag or container, or a glass jar.
6. Soaked nuts and seeds preserve about one week in the fridge. If storing longer, put them in the freezer.

Soaking specifics: Almonds

Yields approximately 1 Cup (1/2 lb.) of Sprouts

1. Measure out ⅔ cup of almonds.
2. Pick out anything you don’t think should be there (shell or plant pieces, imperfect seeds if you wish, etc.).
3. Rinse your seeds to remove dust or debris.
4. Transfer your seeds into a bowl.
5. Add 2-3 times as much cool (60-70°) water.
6. Mix seeds up to assure even water contact for all.
7. Allow seeds to Soak for 4-12 hours.
8. Drain off the soaking water. (You can use it; it has nutrients in it!)
9. Rinse thoroughly with cool (60-70°) water. Drain thoroughly.
10. Pat dry with a clean towel (paper towel is okay) and enjoy!