Help with making raw crackers

[cureteipsum]

I have made raw crackers twice now, per different recipes and directions. Both times, the mixture cracks when it dries, so when i scoop the crackers off the dehydrator tray, they are in small brittle peices. The one's i've eaten in raw restaurants/cafes are solid and cohesive. What components in raw crackers give them their cohesion? How do i keep them from cracking while they dry? Do i start with too much water in the mixture? Do i need to use more seeds and fewer nuts? Any advice would be great.

[walnutty]

Hi cureteipsum...I'm in Phoenix too!

Flax seems to be the most used binder in crackers. As we live in such a dry environment you would be safe making your crackers a bit thicker. You could also save a little cracker "dough" and put it aside so as the crackers are dehydrating and you notice cracks or thinner areas you could just add a little more dough to that spot. I have had success with both the Ritz Crackers and the Spicy Red Pepper Dragon Chips recipes that are on this site.

Good luck!

[Rawkinlocs]

It sounds as though you are either having too much water initially (assuming you're using flax seeds...when soaking the flax seeds, afterwards it should be somewhat thick and gelatinous and not too soupy) or you may be spreading a bit too thin...or both.

If you are not using flax seeds, then this may occur unless you spread your mixture thick enough. Are you using flax at all?

[cureteipsum]

Nope, i'm not using flax. My doctor tells me to avoid that for now because the oils are too fragile and even the dehydrator will hurt them. I guess i could just increase the other seeds and make them thicker and use less water and see how that goes.

[sport]

I understand that there is only one other seed that has the same gelatenous qualities as flax and that it is Chia.
I do not know where to get them but I do not think that you will get good crackers without using something like this.

[Smileen]

Raw Reform and Sun Organic sell chia seeds. I understand that their oils are much more stable than flax seed.

[missthomas86]

Is it raw? I got some from the health food store when i was vegan and would like to make some crackers as a snack!

[justinesmith]

I prefer buckwheat sprouts over flax. The flavor is better (just my opinion) and they have more of a "bread" like quality. I keep the mix fairly thick on the deydrator tray and have had really great luck! :D