Newbie Questions . . . Please Assist

[Aspire]

Hello All,

I have been searching the internet and can't seem to find answers to the following. Can someone, with experience, please assist?

- Do you have to soak nuts to use/eat them, or do you only soak for the recipes that specify it?
- How can you tell if a nut mixture is bad? I have noticed changes in color, but the smell is still fine. I threw them away anyway though because I was not sure. Segueing into . . .
- How long do prepared raw foods spoil stay fresh? I like to prepare as many foods as possible on the weekend and then eat throughout the week. Particularly now that I am preparing a mixture of foods for the entire family.

Any help or direction provided will be appreciated.

Thnx.

[Aspire]

bumping for responses.

[somelikeitraw]

It is my understanding that one soaks nuts and seeds to nullify the effects of the enzymes that made them difficult to digest. Therefore it seems logical that it would be best to soak all nuts and seeds. Still, there are many raw recipes that call for unsoaked nuts for textural reasons, so I guess it's up to the person doing the food prep/eating.

Generally it is best to eat your raw food prepared foods as soon as possible. I have several recipe books that have items that say they will last for 3 days in the fridge.

I don't have a dehydrator but it seems like that would be the way to prepare ahead. No clue how long dehydrated foods stay "fresh".

[ReneeH]

Fresh is always best, but if you make some prepared meals (like Pate) you could refrig for 3-5 days. I made small portions because I'm not a leftover fan, but if I do have some left over, I'll eat it the next day.

Soaking...well, it depends on the recipe. Alissa has some recipes that require that you soak the nuts to get a smooth consistancy, but her crusts for pies do not require soaking.

If you do not have Alissa's book, I highly recommend it. There is an entire section where she answers questions like this one... :)

[Aspire]

It is my understanding that one soaks nuts and seeds to nullify the effects of the enzymes that made them difficult to digest. Therefore it seems logical that it would be best to soak all nuts and seeds. Still, there are many raw recipes that call for unsoaked nuts for textural reasons, so I guess it's up to the person doing the food prep/eating.

Generally it is best to eat your raw food prepared foods as soon as possible. I have several recipe books that have items that say they will last for 3 days in the fridge.

I don't have a dehydrator but it seems like that would be the way to prepare ahead. No clue how long dehydrated foods stay "fresh".


Fresh is always best, but if you make some prepared meals (like Pate) you could refrig for 3-5 days. I made small portions because I'm not a leftover fan, but if I do have some left over, I'll eat it the next day.

Soaking...well, it depends on the recipe. Alissa has some recipes that require that you soak the nuts to get a smooth consistancy, but her crusts for pies do not require soaking.

If you do not have Alissa's book, I highly recommend it. There is an entire section where she answers questions like this one... :)

Thanks so much for both of your response. The internet has so many conflicting points of view - From the raw veagan to the raw carnivore (I love sushi, but could never eat raw beef :eek:). Anyway, I though I would ask those who have been at it awhile.

Alyssa's book is still on my list of the things to buy - the bookstores in my area do not carry it. I was hoping I could get discounted copy - hubby is giving me the "shopping again?" looks. :(.

[willychez]

thanks for posting this question... it was really helpful as i am reeeaaalllly new at this ;)

anyway... just one more thing tho.... once nuts are soaked and drained.. do i set them out on the counter to dry before i jar and refrig them?

or is it okay to put them in the jar damp? i also noticed a change in color in my cashews -- but smell and taste are fine... so i'm thinking they're still ok to use..

thanks again for all your input