Nuts are a delicious and nutritious snack, packed with protein, fibre, and vitamin E. However, have you heard of activated nuts? In this blog, we'll introduce you to the world of activated nuts, explaining what they are and why they're worth trying.
Activated nuts are a type of nut that has undergone a soaking and dehydration process. This process is said to enhance their texture and flavour, making them a popular choice for snacking or adding to recipes. By activating your nuts, you can enjoy a unique and delicious taste that sets them apart from regular nuts. In the next section, we'll share some tips on how to activate nuts at home and some tasty ways to incorporate them into your diet.
Table of Contents
- What Exactly Are Activated Nuts?
- The Perks of Going "Activated"
- Activating Nuts: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tips for the Best Activated Nuts
- How to Use Your Activated Nuts
- Picking the Perfect Nuts for Activation
- Soaking and Drying Times for Different Nuts
- Storing Your Activated Nutty Goodness
- Discover the Exceptional Taste of 2die4 Activated Nuts
What Exactly AreActivated Nuts?
Activated nuts aresimply nuts that have undergone a traditional food preparation and preservationprocess used by ancient cultures like the Incas and Mayans. The nuts are soakedin water (usually salted) and then dehydrated. This process is meant to kickstartgermination, break down phytic acid, and preserve the newly availablenutrients.
The Perks of Going"Activated"
- Happier tummies:Activation breaks down enzyme inhibitors found in raw nuts, which can make themeasier to digest and reduce bloating, heaviness, and nausea.
- Better nutrientabsorption: Soaking nuts releases phytase enzymes that break down phytates,which can interfere with mineral absorption. This might help your body absorbnutrients like iron, calcium, and zinc more effectively.
- Enhanced flavourand texture: Activated nuts have a satisfying crunch and a richer flavour thantheir raw counterparts.
It's worth notingthat phytates also have antioxidant properties, so don't ditch raw nutsaltogether.
Activating Nuts: AStep-by-Step Guide
Ready to giveactivated nuts a whirl? Follow these simple steps:
1- Dissolve salt inwater—enough to cover your nuts.
2- Put the nuts in alarge bowl and cover them with the saltwater solution.
3- Soak nuts for 3 to24 hours, depending on the type.
4- Strain and rinsethe soaked nuts, then pat them dry.After soaking, the nuts will look nice andpuffy, and may even start to show signs of sprouting. Rinse the nuts underrunning water and pat dry.
5- Spread the nuts ona dehydrator rack or baking tray.
6- Dry the nuts in adehydrator for 12-24 hours or in an oven set at the lowest temperature(preferably no more than 65°C) for the required drying time, stirringoccasionally.
7- Taste test to makesure they're dry and crunchy before storing.
Tips for the BestActivated Nuts
- Don't cook thenuts, as this will destroy the activated enzymes and minerals.
- Make sure theactivated nuts are totally dry before storing to prevent mould growth.
- Add some flavour bysprinkling your favourite herbs and spices on the nuts before drying them.
How to Use YourActivated Nuts
Activated nuts aremore than just a tasty snack; they can also be used in a variety of dishes. Hereare some ideas:
- Munch on them as astandalone snack.
- Add them toantipasto platters,trail mixes,mueslis, andsalads.
- Whip up your ownactivated nut butters and milks.
- Try recipes like ascrumptiousWarming Buckwheat Porridge withactivated almonds.
Activated nuts area fun and potentially beneficial addition to your diet. Give them a try andenjoy their enhanced flavour and crunch, while possibly reaping the benefits ofeasier digestion and improved nutrient absorption.
Picking the PerfectNuts for Activation
Before diving intothe world of activated nuts, it's essential to know which nuts work best forthis process. Here are some top picks for activating:
- Almonds
- Brazils
- Cashews
- Hazelnuts
- Macadamias
- Pecans
- Pine Nuts
- Pistachios
- Walnuts
Whenselecting nuts for activation, opt for raw and unsalted varieties. Roasted nuts have alreadybeen exposed to high temperatures, which can destroy the enzymes and nutrientsyou're trying to preserve.
At Honest to Goodness, we offer a wide range oforganic raw nuts that are perfect for activation. However, if you prefer to skip the hassle and purchase activated nuts, you can choose from our extensive selection of 2 Die 4 activated nuts.
Soaking and DryingTimes for Different Nuts
Different types ofnuts require different soaking and drying times for optimal activation results.This guide provides you with the recommended soaking and drying durations forvarious nuts.
Here are therecommended soaking and drying times for each type of nut along with the amountof salt to add:
| Nut (1cup) | Salt | Soaking Time | Drying Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Almonds | 1 tsp | 12-14 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Brazils | 1 tsp | 7-12 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Cashews | 1 tsp | 3-6 hours | 12-15 hours |
| Hazelnuts | 1 tsp | 7-12 hours | 12-15 hours |
| Macadamias | 1 tsp | 7-12 hours | 12-15 hours |
| Pecans | 1/2 tsp | 5-8 hours | 12-15 hours |
| Pine Nuts | 1 tsp | 7-10 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Pistachios | 1 tsp | 5-8 hours | 12-24 hours |
| Walnuts | 1/2 tsp | 5-8 hours | 12-24 hours |
Remember, the keyto successful activation is to tailor your soaking and drying times to the typeof nut you are using. Use this guide to help you achieve optimal results.
Storing YourActivated Nutty Goodness
Proper storage isessential for keeping your activated nuts fresh and delicious. Follow thesetips for the best results:
1- Ensure the nuts arecompletely dry before storing. Moisture can lead to mould growth.
2- Use an airtightcontainer to prevent the nuts from absorbing moisture and odours.
3- Store the containerin a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard, away from direct sunlight orheat sources.
4- For longer-lastingfreshness, keep activated nuts in the refrigerator or freezer.
By following thesestorage guidelines, you can enjoy the flavour, texture, and nutritionalbenefits of your activated nuts for longer.
Discover theExceptional Taste of 2die4 Activated Nuts
Incorporatingactivated nuts into your daily routine can be an exciting way to shake up yourdiet and potentially improve digestion and nutrient absorption. The activationprocess is easy to do at home and lets you experiment with different nuts,flavours, and recipes.
In addition topreparing activated nuts at home, you can also enjoy the convenience andvariety offered by2die4 Activated Nuts. As a part of the Honest to Goodnessfamily,2die4 provides a wide range of high-quality, activated nuts that havebeen carefully prepared to optimise their flavours and nutritional benefits.From the rich and creamy texture of Activated Organic Cashews to the butterygoodness ofActivated Organic Macadamias, our product range has something foreveryone. With a commitment to quality and sustainability,2die4 Activated Nuts are a delicious and nutritious choice that you can feel good about adding toyour daily routine. Explore their diverse selection, and discover theexceptional taste and health benefits of activated.
