Which nuts need to be soaked before eating and why?

To find out why you need to soak nuts before eating, you need to turn to the experience of nutritionists and raw foodists. People who prefer a healthy diet note the presence of protein, vitamins, minerals and a large amount of healthy fats in nuts. The product is also rich in fiber and phytic acid. Nuts quickly relieve hunger. But the downside of using them is a feeling of heaviness in the stomach and a difficult process of assimilation.

Why do you need to soak nuts?

The soaking procedure helps to avoid unpleasant sensations and help the body quickly absorb healthy protein. It awakens dormant kernels and starts the germination process. As a result, the taste changes along with the structure, the nut is enriched with enzymes that are responsible for the development of the sprout, and harmful phytic acid is eliminated.

The presence of phytic acid is noted in almost all types of nuts. During ripening, it provides the fruit with natural protection from premature eating in the natural environment by animals or birds. By the time of maturity, a small percentage of phytin remains in the kernel. But with constant consumption of raw nuts, acid can accumulate, causing harmful effects.

Explaining why you need to place the kernels in water before eating, nutritionists also note the harm of daily consumption of roasted nuts.If soaked almonds acquire the softness of marzipan with the aroma of exquisite amaretto and enrich the body with beneficial enzymes, then fried almonds produce the opposite effect.

During heat treatment, the oils contained in the composition interact with phytic acid and tannin (concentrated in the shell), as a result of which they oxidize. The amount of oil that increases during frying can cause discomfort in the stomach.

The benefits of consuming soaked nuts are observed if the daily intake does not exceed 300 g.

How to soak nuts?

To awaken the kernels and activate the enzymes contained, the nuts are placed in a salted solution and kept there for 4 to 12 hours.

In order to properly prepare the solution, you will need:

• purified (filtered, boiled) water – 2 parts;
• unroasted nuts – 1 part;
• salt – 1 teaspoon per glass of nuts;
• glass jar or bowl.

It is better to use coarse sea or pink Himalayan salt - it is rich in minerals and is considered healthier than regular table salt.

You can soak dried fruits as follows:

1. prepare a glass container (plastic is not suitable for long-term soaking of food in salt);
2. rinse the selected nuts in water, remove low-quality specimens (deformed, moldy, dried out);
3. pour into a bowl and add warm water so that it completely covers the nuts;
4. add the required amount of salt, stir;
5. cover with film.

There is an easier way. The nuts are washed and poured into warm drinking water. No salt is used. Cover and leave for several hours or overnight. Afterwards the water is drained. The fruits are dried on a towel or in the oven.

Which nuts need to be soaked before eating?

It is best to use an environmentally friendly product, not treated with chemicals. If possible, the fruits are collected independently. You can choose any type - for example, walnuts, common in our country. They are cleaned, washed and soaked in portions. A glass is enough for one use - more product may spoil. The awakened kernels are stored for no more than three days in the refrigerator.

If you are using a store-bought product, you should pay attention to the appearance. Choose to your taste, but keep a few points in mind:

• the kernels must be whole;
• the nut in the husk is better protected from fungi and other harmful factors;
• if you buy in a supermarket, look at the bottom of the bag or box - if there is nut dust there, and the surface has small holes, it means that a bug is snacking on the treat. It is better to refuse such a purchase immediately.

How long to soak nuts

If you don’t know how long to immerse purchased nuts in water or are using a nut mixture, then pour them before bed. They will be ready by morning.

Different types require different amounts of time to change the structure, but not less than 4 hours:

• Almonds and pistachios swell for 12 hours;
• 8 hours is enough for hazelnuts and walnuts;
• from 8 to 10 o'clock pine nuts and pecans wake up;
• Cashews require 6 hours;
• Brazil nuts absorb moisture the fastest; 4 hours are enough for them.

Do I need to dry it?

Soaked nuts can be consumed immediately. After draining the water, the kernels are laid out on a towel to remove excess moisture. For those who like to crunch, the method of dehydration at a minimum temperature in an oven or electric dryer is suitable.But it is worth remembering that it is advisable to bake nuts on a baking sheet for at least 4 hours at a temperature no higher than 60–70 degrees. Drying quickly at high temperature will have a roasting effect.

Kernels soaked in water are healthier than dried and fried ones. They increase the amount of active ingredients that are more easily absorbed by the body. In addition, the taste improves and the nut becomes softer. You should try soaking nuts yourself at least once to feel the difference.