Nuts For Nuts
I love nuts, they are one of the best snacks – quick and satisfying as well as full of nutritional benefits since they are absolutely packed with protein, good fats, vitamins and minerals. They are the perfect snack food, one that will keep you going and quell that craving for something crunchy and salty. Now that is what I call a good snack!
I always like to have a variety of raw nuts in my pantry – my favorites are almonds and cashews. After they have been soaked, you can dehydrate them in the oven (or if you are lucky enough to have a dehydrator!) and mix them with your favorite salts and spices to make your own version of spiced nuts. You can also leave some of them as is (storing them in the refrigerator), to put into smoothies. I like to soak enough for both options. To learn more about the benefits of soaking nuts (as well as legumes and grains), check out this link
Spiced nuts are great for munching on straight out of your hand, serving as a snack for guests, sprinkling on your salads, etc.
Not only does soaking nuts increase their health benefits, but the texture and taste is even better. It could also be less allergenic, based on recent events in my own life. This is not confirmed, but only what I experienced. I was the recent guinea pig. I have always had an aversion to walnuts, for some reason. But Roberto grew up eating walnuts (they are part of the traditional Sardinian diet) and so we decided to try some. I soaked them, as I know that soaking nuts increases their nutritional profile, by allowing you to be able to utilize more of the vitamins and minerals, since soaking breaks down the enzyme inhibitors. I mixed these soaked walnuts with some soaked almonds. Then I drained and towel dried them, and mixed both nuts with olive oil, sea salt, pepper, and dried rosemary (basically the spices that were left in the bag from my favorite Trader Joe’s spiced Macona Almonds – waste not, want not…). I spread them out on a tray and cooked them in a 200 F oven for about 15 minutes – shaking the tray every 5-10 minutes.
I really wanted to learn to love walnuts, so I was eating a handful of these mixed (walnut and almond) nuts everyday – either as a snack, or on salads. By the fourth day I wasn’t feeling right. I felt like I had no strength in my hands, and I was more tired than usual. On that day, I decided to pick the walnuts out, and just eat a handful of those, in another attempt to try to like them. Within minutes I started to sneeze, then, my mouth, tongue and lips were starting to itch, and soon my eyes started to get a bit puffy. I was having an allergic reaction! If it hadn’t been for the soaking, I am guessing that the reaction likely would have been much worse! So my taking the extra time to soak my nuts, grains and legumes really paid off and probably saved me a trip to the ER! 🙂
But really, taking a little extra time (and you really don’t have to do anything – they are doing all the work!) to soak your nuts before eating them makes them much more beneficial, easier to digest and the perfect texture to go in smoothies. If you bake them in the oven, with spices, then you have a whole other great use for them! This is a great way to treat your nuts, and your body!
Disclaimer: I am not a dietitian or health care professional. My posts reflect my own personal experience. You should always consult a doctor before making any changes to your diet and exercise routine.
Maria - April 11, 2010 at 10:41 pm
Great healthy snack! Love the rosemary!
Vicki - April 11, 2010 at 11:16 pm
I had no idea soaking nuts could help remove allergens. I’ve always had nut allergies, and the only way I can eat them is if they’re cooked, and even then I get some itchiness and throat constriction. I’ll definitely have to try soaking!
nina - April 11, 2010 at 11:24 pm
Thank you for teaching this old dog new tricks….I did not know about the soaking and will try this for sure….
Sue - April 11, 2010 at 11:44 pm
I’ve heard Dr. Oz talking about soaking nuts too, but I thought he did it because he said it makes them taste better. But I’m not sure I agree. I think it just makes them taste soggy. 🙂 But maybe I should try again for the health benefits.
DebinHawaii - April 12, 2010 at 2:23 am
I have soaked nuts before but usually when I need to throw them in the blender. It makes a lot of sense to do it for digestion and allergies too.
Aren’t those Trader Joe’s Rosemary Marcona Almonds the best!?! I love them and always pick them up when I am on the mainland. I’ll have to try making my own. 😉
kat - April 12, 2010 at 3:19 am
I have never heard of soaking but am happy you shared this. Am also glad you didn’t have to go to the ER because your reaction.
Rosa - April 12, 2010 at 4:08 am
I’m so sorry to hear about your allergy to walnuts… I have never soaked my nuts. Interesting!
Cheers,
Rosa
peter - April 12, 2010 at 6:09 am
I love my nuts, spiced or nut and at least you can still eat almonds….eat a shandful if/when you get some heartburn….it works!
Jessica - April 12, 2010 at 6:46 am
I love nuts, so this sounds awesome!
Lisa - April 12, 2010 at 8:51 am
Thanks for the informative post!
bellini valli - April 12, 2010 at 10:01 am
Heading to the ER with an anaphylactic reaction would not be the way to start your day. Thanks for all the tips Jenn. As soon as I read your post I headfed to the cupboards and have some hazelnuts.
kat - April 12, 2010 at 10:06 am
whoa, that sounds like a nasty reaction to walnuts! I’m a big nuts person too but never get this fancy, I just find myself nibbling raw almonds all day
dawn - April 12, 2010 at 11:01 am
trader joe’s is where i over-indulge on my spicy-sweet pecans…man they are so good!
if i ever get an allergy to nuts i don’t know what i’d do as i eat peanuts everyday, walnuts & almonds EOD, i really do
Amy @ Simply Sugar & Gluten Free - April 12, 2010 at 11:03 am
Oh my goodness – I wonder if that’s a new development or one you’ve had your entire life. It’s a little scary because walnuts are in so many desserts. I hope you’re able to pinpoint the cause so it doesn’t happen again.
I’ve read about soaking nuts but I’ve never done it so I can’t say whether or not it helps me. I know many other bloggers who swear by it.
tasteofbeirut - April 12, 2010 at 11:22 am
In Lebanese cuisine and pastry-making nuts are always soaked; I thought it was only to clean them and make them taste better, did not realize it was for health purposes as well
5 Star Foodie - April 12, 2010 at 12:47 pm
We love all kinds of nuts and almonds are definitely our favorite! I need to check out those marcona almonds!
Arlene (MOM) - April 12, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I snack on nuts every day too. I like walnuts and almonds. I did try soaking them but after a time they got moldy, even in the frig. So if you are soaking, do only a few days worth at a time. I hadn’t tried the oven part and I am guessing that would add some of the flavor back in if using raw nuts.
Alta - April 12, 2010 at 1:42 pm
Wow, that allergic reaction issue must have been scary, even if it was less extreme than it could have been. I don’t normally soak my nuts, except when I’m soaking my oats for oatmeal (I just throw everything except sweetener to soak overnight – oats, nuts, and dried fruit).
Bob - April 12, 2010 at 5:16 pm
Whoops! Glad you didn’t have to go to the ER, nut allergies can be the worst. That being said, I love nuts. 😀
Ben - April 13, 2010 at 12:15 pm
Great article Jenn! I didn’t know the benefits of soaking nuts and have never done it myself before, but I’ll look into that and start making some deliciuos snacks with them. I am sorry to hear about your allergic reaction, though. And I am glad it wasn’t worse 🙂
Mary - April 13, 2010 at 12:19 pm
We never grow to old to learn. Jenn, I’d never heard about soaking nuts before your post. Now, of course, I’m curious. We have two grandchildren who are allergic to nuts, so we know how serious the problem can be. I’m sorry to hear about your reaction to the walnuts. At least you know. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
Patsyk - April 13, 2010 at 12:53 pm
Wow! I had no idea that soaking nuts would remove allergens. I imagine a lot of people will appreciate learning this tidbit from you!
Simone (junglefrog) - April 13, 2010 at 4:44 pm
That is actually a very good idea. I am allergic to walnuts, (and apples and raisins) but only very mildly. Every time I eat walnuts (and I still do, since I like them plus they tend to be in nutmixes) my ears and mouth starts to itch. I didn’t know that soaking the nuts might actually help, so I will definitely try that out! Thanks for that tip!
Stella - April 13, 2010 at 9:59 pm
Hi Jenn, I love walnuts, but I get a bit of a reaction to them too. They seem to make my mouth feel dry and itchy. I will definetely try soaking them to see what happens.
By the way, I like the picture below with you and the dogs. Your slippers are very witchy (smile)!
hong - April 14, 2010 at 1:44 am
The nuts looks so delicious and the color also looks very beautiful. Making me wanting to devour some.
lo - April 14, 2010 at 12:27 pm
I’m also a big lover of nuts — and spiced nuts are even better. Sorry to hear about your reaction to walnuts. They pack a pretty good nutritional punch, but it’s no good if your body rejects them! *sad* Ah, well — back to concentrating on those almonds!
FoodFitnessFreshair - April 15, 2010 at 1:50 pm
I love nuts! I eat them practically everyday. I love roasting them in the oven too. It really enhances their flavor.
Angela@spinachtiger - April 18, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Jenn
Are you saying you are allergic to walnuts? Maybe this is why you don’t like them. It’s scary to have such a reaction.
I am a real nut lover myself. I nearly ate a whole bag of pecans given to me this week (and I normally don’t eat that many).
Bob Beck - September 25, 2010 at 11:51 pm
Been eating Shiloh farms unpasteurized organic farms (imported from Spain) almonds outta the bag. Now I read you outta soak them. My digestive tract is cast iron and never noticed a digestive problem eating them this way. However..I now read,that the nutrient level is increased if you soak them. Interesting..Will they get soggy??? Well..Am soaking some now in the fridge. Guess I’ll find out tomorrow. BTW..The American prophet Edgar Cayce said eating 3 almonds a day prevents (or helps prevent?),Cancer. Heard it on a Coast to Coast AM interview. California law demands “criminal” pasteurization that in all likely hood subverts the nutrient value. They care about genetically modified foods? Hah..I could go on..Think about the “why”………..