Almond confusion....

[Jodi]

I'm trying to figure out the soak almond thing. I understand why, but am trying to figure out....do you soak them, then dehydrate them to make them cruncy again?

I noticed on some comments, people soak, sprout then dehydrate them. With an almond...if you sprout it does it grow like an alfafa sprout??

Sorry if this sounds confusing, but I am a little confused on this process. I soaked some overnight and took them to work. (riinsing them first) They weren't bad,,but would have rather had them crunchier.


Jodi

[Revvell]

It depends on what you want. IF you want them just for snacking, soak about 12 hours, dehydrate until dry (about an hour) then you're good to go. I personally don't dehydrate mine as I love them immediately after soaking. IF you are not going to dehydrate, make sure you rinse and drain, then let them dry because they will become moldy.

...and no, they don't grow tails. Trust me, I know. 3 days later....


Revvell

[rawpriestess]

Hi,

almonds need to soak for at least 12 hours, I personally rinse every 4 to 6 hours, and I soak for about 24 hours or so.

If you choose to soak longer, then make sure you rinse every 4 to 6 hours, or they can turn on you, depending on the temperature in your home.

Also, they will start to become sweeter (hazelnuts get really sweet around 3 days or so).

Anyway, almonds will sprout, but not while they are in water. We have 3 almond trees, so we are fastly becoming experts where almonds are concerned.

So, if you want them cruncy, after you soak them, and rinse them well, then toss on a mesh dehydrator screen and dehydrate for as long as you need to make them crunchy about 8 to 12 hours at 105.

If you want them salty, or sweet, then AFTER they are dehydrated crispy, you can rub in oil and salt, and re-dehydrate to warm or you can rub in honey and cinnamon, and re-dehydrate to warm, they are delicious.

If you want to carry them with you, make sure they are dry---relaly dry.

They will go bad, ie mold very quickly once they are soaked, and then left out.

If you want to keep them for a while, either freeze in a freezer baggie, or freeze in a baggie full of water (this keeps them from getting freezer burn), or you can hold them in water in the fridge for about 2 to 3 days, but change the water at least twice a day.

Hope this helps.

good luck with your almonds.
Rawpriestess

[Jodi]

Thanks for the tips, ladies! And rawpriestess thanks for the idea of honey and cinnamon on them before going in the dehydrator. I never thought of that and I love the cinnamin almonds they sell at the ren-faire we used to work at! I'm going to have to try that as soon as my Excalibur arrives!

Jodi

[rawpriestess]

STOP WAIT

AFTER, they are dehydrated crisp, then back into the dehydrator, OR they will be soft inside, just to let you know.

YES, they are indeed tasty. YUMMMMMMM

[Jodi]

Okey, dokey! I think I get it...you put the honey and cinnamon on after they are dehydrated crisp, the dehydrate a bit more. I really can't wait to try this. And I think it may even appeal to my "meat and potatos" hubby.



Jodi