How to Make Almonds Soft?

The quickest way to soften almonds, specifically to make them easier to peel, is to blanch them.

Here's how to blanch almonds to soften them and easily remove their skins:

1. Boil Water: Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil.
2. Add Almonds: Add the almonds to the boiling water.
3. Blanch for a Minute: Let the almonds sit in the boiling water for about 1 minute. This softens the skin.
4. Drain and Rinse: Drain the almonds and immediately rinse them with cold water. This stops the cooking process.
5. Peel: You should now be able to easily squeeze the almonds between your fingers and the skin will slip off. Make sure you peel them soon after rinsing.