Should Almonds be soaked overnight?

Almonds are a popular snack that’s rich in many nutrients, including fiber and healthy fats. They’re also an excellent source of vitamin E, which protects your cells from damage. While many people enjoy them raw or roasted, you may wonder why others prefer to soak them before eating.

While soaking may lead to some improvements in digestion and nutrient availability, unsoaked almonds are still a healthy addition to your diet.

These nuts are a good source of fiber, protein, and healthy fats, as well as an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium

In particular, the skins are rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which may protect against several chronic illnesses, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes

Regular almond intake is associated with weight loss, reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol levels, increased HDL (good) cholesterol levels, blood sugar control, and fullness

Additionally, consuming tannins and phytic acid is not necessarily harmful, as both antinutrients have been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects and may protect against heart disease and some forms of cancer

The bottom line

Soaking almonds may improve their digestibility and increase the absorption of some nutrients. You may also simply prefer the taste and texture.

Yet, you don’t have to soak these nuts to enjoy their health benefits.

Both soaked and raw almonds provide many important nutrients, including antioxidants, fiber, and healthy fats

How to soak almonds

Soaking almonds is simple — and much cheaper than buying pre-soaked ones at the store.

Here’s a simple way to soak them overnight:

Place almonds in a bowl, add enough warm tap water to fully cover them, and sprinkle about 1 teaspoon of salt for every 1 cup (140 grams) of nuts.
Cover the bowl and let it sit on your countertop overnight, or for 8–12 hours.
Drain and rinse. If you choose, you can remove the skins for a smoother texture.
Pat the almonds dry using a clean paper towel.

The soaked nuts can be eaten immediately. For a crunchier twist, you can dry them via a few methods:

Roasting. Preheat your oven to 175'F (79'C) and place the almonds on a baking sheet. Roast for 12–24 hours, or until dried out.
Dehydrating. Spread the soaked nuts in an even layer on one or two trays. Set your dehydrator to 155'F (68'C) and run for 12 hours, or until crunchy.

It’s best to store soaked almonds in an airtight container in your fridge.

Vinnie