Learn the benefits of soaking nuts and seeds, including improved nutrient absorption, better digestion, and reduced antinutrients. Find out how soaking can enhance the health benefits of your favourite nuts and seeds.
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Soaking nuts and seeds is an age-old practice that we have often seen our grandmothers repeat over the course of years. Be it to add it to our favourite kheers or simply leave a handful of almond nuts in a bowl soaking overnight to feast on the next morning. We see it as a tradition rather than a trend that is all too common in our households. However, this approach is soon gaining popularity amongst the masses. The talk of the town is that its potential benefits seem to extend beyond the culinary arts. So, does the claim hold up? Let’s dig deep into the concept of nuts soaking at large and a few diverse ways you can do so at home.
At its simplest, soaking means immersing legumes or beans in water for a period of time, be it an hour or overnight. This process allows for optimal moisture absorption, which may jumpstart the process of enzymatic changes and germination. Soaking nuts, grains and seeds has always been a widely practised culinary method across the world.
Nuts and seeds are nutritious on their own. They are rich in antioxidants, unsaturated fats, fibre as well as proteins. However, is soaking nuts beneficial? Let’s take a look below.
The compelling benefits of soaking are:
Almonds, Walnuts, Pumpkin seeds, Sunflower seeds, Chia seeds & Flax Seeds are common nuts & seeds which benefit from soaking.
We are familiar with the snap of a dry almond when bitten into. However, after leaving the almond nuts soaking in water, you will notice they turn plumper. Making them much easier to munch on and sweeter in taste. Soaking nuts and seeds such as cashews and raisins, can be then used for a number of food preparations.
Once soaked overnight, the nuts and seeds often turn softer. This helps simplify the process of grinding them to a paste in curries and doughs. This step allows for the outer layer to detach from the nut, which can be then used while cooking.
The new age of culinary preparations is all about plant-based milks. Gain the most of soaked nuts benefits by whipping up nut milk with almonds, cashews and even macadamia nuts with a cup or two of water. You may simultaneously also grind a couple of nuts and seeds without water to create nut butter until smooth. Add them to your deserts, smoothies and oatmeal; the sky’s the limit!
Note- There is some nutrient loss which may happen during the soaking process like water-soluble vitamins.
You may be wondering, How do you actually soak nuts? Here’s a simple way to do so:
Step 1: Take your pick of nuts and seeds
Step 2: Clean them under running water to get rid of any dust or existing dirt
Step 3: Prepare a bowl of water and add these seeds to it.
Step 4: Soak these overnight in a cool and dark place
Step 5: The following morning, drain the excess water and rinse the nuts again before consuming.
Nuts and seeds are unmissable and extremely nutrient-rich foods. However, whether to soak them is a question that depends on the type of nuts and seeds you are consuming. As mentioned above, some require soaking in order to get rid of antinutrients, etc. and some are fine just the way they are. So, whether you have them as nut milks, in your favourite puddings, or are chomping down on a handful by yourself, you are always ensured a boost of nourishment, making it a worthwhile endeavour.
