Nuts and seeds are packed with nutrients, making them a fantastic addition to your daily diet. However, to make the most of their nutritional benefits, “activating” them is a smart choice. This process not only enhances their flavors but also improves their digestibility and increases the absorption of their nutrients.

What Does “Activating” Mean?

Activating nuts and seeds involves soaking them in water for a period of time. This simple step helps break down the naturally occurring phytic acid in them. Phytic acid is a substance that can bind to minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, inhibiting their absorption by your body. By reducing the phytic acid content, the minerals in nuts and seeds become more available for your body to use.

Why Should You Activate Your Nuts and Seeds?

1. Enhanced Digestibility: Soaking nuts and seeds helps to break down complex compounds, making them easier on your stomach and reducing the likelihood of discomfort.
2. Increased Nutrient Absorption: The activation process allows your body to access more of the valuable minerals that nuts and seeds offer.
3. Improved Taste and Texture: Activated nuts and seeds tend to have a crisper texture and a more pronounced flavor, enhancing your culinary experience.

How to Activate Nuts and Seeds

Ingredients:

• Your choice of raw, unsalted nuts or seeds (such as almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or sunflower seeds)
• Water
• A pinch of salt (optional, for flavor enhancement)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Place a cup of nuts or seeds in a bowl. Cover them with water, ensuring there’s enough to accommodate the nuts or seeds as they expand. Add a pinch of salt if desired.
2. Soaking Time: Let them soak for a period ranging from 4 to 12 hours, depending on the variety. Almonds and walnuts, for example, benefit from being soaked for about 12 hours, while pumpkin seeds are good with just 4 hours.
3. Rinsing: After soaking, drain and rinse the nuts or seeds under cold running water to remove any impurities and loose phytic acid.
4. Drying: To dry them, you can either use a dehydrator set at a low temperature or simply spread them on a baking sheet and place them in an oven set to the lowest possible temperature until they are completely dry and crisp. This may take several hours.

Once dried, these activated nuts and seeds can be enjoyed as a healthy snack, added to salads, or used in various recipes. They are now easier to digest, with more nutrients available for your body to absorb, making them a nutritious choice for your daily meals. Enjoy the enhanced flavors and health benefits with every bite!