Simply put, you submerge almonds in water to soak them. This process, often done before consuming almonds or making almond milk, enhances their digestibility and nutrient availability.
Soaking Almonds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here's how to properly soak almonds in water, based on several sources:
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Gather your materials: You'll need a bowl, raw almonds, and enough water to fully cover the almonds. Some recipes suggest using warm tap water (Healthline) while others don't specify water temperature (GoodRx, PlantBasedFolk). A mason jar is also a convenient container (Nouveau Raw).
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Add the almonds: Place your desired quantity of raw almonds into the bowl or jar.
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Cover with water: Add enough water to completely submerge the almonds. Some recipes recommend adding an inch or two of extra water (Slate).
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Optional additions: Some recipes recommend adding salt (Healthline) to the soaking water.
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Soaking time: Allow the almonds to soak for at least 8-12 hours, or preferably overnight (Multiple sources including Healthline, PureWow, and GoodRx). For longer soaking times, consider rinsing and changing the water every 12 hours (Nouveau Raw).
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Drain and enjoy: After soaking, drain the water. You can now eat the almonds, either peeled or unpeeled, or use them to make almond milk.
Why Soak Almonds?
Soaking almonds helps to:
- Improve digestibility: Soaking reduces phytic acid, an antinutrient that can interfere with nutrient absorption.
- Enhance nutrient availability: Soaking makes it easier for your body to absorb essential nutrients from the almonds.
