Q: Sprouting, Soaking & Drying

[MareeM]

I am wanting to get more organised and have things on hand ready. Can someone direct me with the whole sprouting grains/seeds or soaking nuts and then dehydrating?

*Is it as healthy to use dehydrated sprouted grains and seeds and dehydrated soaked nuts?
*What is the best way to store the dehydrated grains/seeds/nuts and how long do they keep for?
*Can nuts be soaked and then put in the fridge ready to use - do they have to be kept in water & how long do they keep like this for?
*Can dehydrated grains/seeds/nuts be used in all recipes that require them or are some better freshly sprouted or soaked (so they are still moist).
*Should all dried fruit be soaked? Should they be left in the water when they are put in the fridge? How long do they keep like this for? Should they only be used like this for recipes if it specifies soaking them? Is it not very healthy to eat lots of unsoaked dried fruit (my kids eat a lot).

Thankyou.

[RowanC]

Personally, I would not dehyrate nuts to store them, nor would I dehydrate sprouted grains EXCEPT for buckwheat which makes an awesome base for a cold cereal, BUCKWHEATIES![/COLOR]


*What is the best way to store the dehydrated grains/seeds/nuts and how long do they keep for?

I put almonds in a glass bowl, cover them with water, then leave them out until they sprout (I use a jeweler's loupe to see the tiny sprouted end).. Then I put them in the fridge. I have kept them up to 10 days, but every couple of days I change the water


*Can dehydrated grains/seeds/nuts be used in all recipes that require them or are some better freshly sprouted or soaked (so they are still moist).


I personally think they are ALL better if freshly sprouted & soaked.


*Should all dried fruit be soaked? Should they be left in the water when they are put in the fridge? How long do they keep like this for? Should they only be used like this for recipes if it specifies soaking them?

Same as nuts. See above

Is it not very healthy to eat lots of unsoaked dried fruit (my kids eat a lot).

If you so not soak them, they'll pull water from your gut to rehydrate.
Everything in moderation! They have a lot of sugar. So if you wouldn't let your child eat 10 apples or 10 apricots, then don't let them eat 10 dehydrated apples or apricots