Why You Should Soak Nuts Before Eating Them

August 27, 2013 By Leanne Vogel November 16, 2018

A porcupine has quills, opossums act dead when threatened, and newts turn their ribs into spikes when in danger.

Talk about defense mechanisms!

But, did you know? Nuts have similar mechanisms, too? No spikes or death rays… but they do have a natural component that repels predators so that they can grow to full maturity. From almonds, walnuts, hazelnuts, brazil nuts and everything in between.

The major defense mechanism in nuts is phytic acid. When something that contains phytic acid is eaten, the acid binds to minerals like zinc, iron, magnesium, calcium, chromium, and manganese in the gastrointestinal tract, which inhibits our digestive systems’ ability to break the nut down properly. (That’s why when you eat nuts you often see undigested bits in your stool the very next day…)

But, do not fear, phytic acid can be removed! All you need to do to deactivate this acid is to give your nuts a little soak!

Soaking Steps

1. Add nuts to a glass jar.
2. Fill the jar with filtered water, being sure to cover the nuts.
3. Soak the nuts for the times outlined below.
4. When complete, discard the soak water and give the nuts a good rinse.
5. You can either: refrigerate and consume within 24 hours, OR dry in a dehydrator and store in the fridge for 2 weeks OR freeze for up to 2 months

I have this 5-tray Excalibur Dehydrator and have used it weekly for 6 years. It was a great purchase!

Soaking ad Dehydrating Times

• Almonds: soak for 12 hours, dehydrate for 15 hours
• Brazil nuts: soak for 12 hours, dehydrate for 18 hours
• Cashews: soak for 6 hours, dehydrate for 15 hours
• Hazelnuts: soak for 8 hours, dehydrate for 12 hours
• Macadamia nuts: soak for 4 hours, dehydrate for 12 hours
• Pecans: soak for 8 hours, dehydrate for 12 hours
• Pine nut: soak for 8 hours, dehydrate for 12 hours
• Walnuts: soak for 8 hours, dehydrate for 12 hours

Not sure what to do after you’ve soaked your nuts?

I hope one of my soaked nut recipes will help you out ;)

Sweet Almond Pâté

Easily my favorite recipe on the blog. Eat it with a spoon, stir it around with pasta, or use as a cracker or vegetable dip. Any way you prepare it, it will change the way you look at almonds.

No bake Lemon Cashew Squares

The most amazing dessert I’ve ever had, or made. Vegan and gluten-free lemon squares with a date crust and lemon whipped topping. Simple ingredients, easy prep, fabulous results.

Chai Spice Roasted Almonds

Don’t let the picture fool you – roasted nuts aren’t reserved for Christmas! If you are in love with chai as much as I am, you must make these tasty roasted nuts. Your tummy and taste buds will be smiling with joy!

Macadamia Nut Hummus

Nut-based, paleo-friendly hummus with a slight kick of spice.

Do you soak your nuts?

This entry was tagged: burger, raw, walnut