Sprouting Seeds and Nuts

Question:

Do I really have to soak nuts and seeds for them to be activated? If so, generally how long is everyone else doing it? I've soaked the nuts I buyfor about 6 hrs and they just stay kind of mushy and I don't enjoy the consistency anymore. . .especially macademia nuts. also, they go bad really quick. can i dehydrate the nuts after i soak them to get them back to a less mushy consistency?

Yes, I soak them and then dehydrate them to get them back to a nice consistency for snacking. I find it's worth the minimal effort. I love sprouting and glad you're getting into it!:)

I also love sprouting! :) It's such a miracle. I even catch my teenage son standing over the sprouts to see how much longer they are from the last time he checked (and he's a SAD eater). I guess you gotta start somewhere...ha ha ha..:D

I've never sprouted nuts but I always soak seeds over night. I do the same when planting out my peas too but soak and rinse until they sprout. Mice will demolish them if they are sown dry but they won't touch them if the seeds are sprouted first.

Georgina

Thanks for your comments

I don't always soak nuts. It depends on what I'm making. If I'm making a cashew cheesecake, I'll soak the nuts so they grind up smoother.

If I'm making a pie crust with nuts, I do not soak them.

There are soaking charts you can find online.
There is also a good on in Alissa's book.

To "sprout" some nuts is impossible.
Others sprout nicely.

Also... sprouting has occured when you first see the tiny sprout appear. If you wait much longer, the product is often bitter.

I use a cheap jeweler's loupe to check my grains and nuts.

Also.. if I soak almonds, for instance, I'll cover them with water and put them in the fridge. Then each day, I drain the water and recover them. That keeps them soft, but fresh for many many days. They will slowly sprout even in the fridge.

I always soak everything at least overnight. I recently read that 24 hours is good for everything, not just almonds, but I am testing out that theory right now...

I don't dehydrate after soaking. Instead, to dry out, I leave in a strainer in the refrigerator for about 8 hours. For instance, I soak walnuts overnight, rinse well in the morning, and drain in the fridge for use that night. They are nice and dry by that time.