In general, nuts are a healthy and convenient food to snack on. When prepared correctly, they are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins and minerals.
Almonds and other nuts contain anti-nutrients that inhibit your body from absorbing some of these nutrients. According to Weston A. Price, the phytic acid in nuts present some pretty significant digestive challenges. One of the ways we can get over these challenges is by soaking the nuts in filtered water with or without salt for 12 hours. Soaking deactivates the enzyme inhibitors and lessens the amount of phytic acid so we are able to absorb and assimilate more nutrients.
Rinse almonds in place in a large bowl with salt and enough water to cover them. Let sit overnight or in a dark room for 12 - 18 hours.
You will notice that the water becomes murky. Rinse the almonds again to remove any remaining debris. Now the fun begins, it's time to peel your almonds.
I know I know, peeling each almond so tedious. Just become one with it. As soon as you accept that it's gonna take some time you will feel better. They really are healthier this way so sit down, relax, and get peeling.
I like my almonds to be split in half. This step is optional.
In a large bowl, add 1/3rd of your almonds and salt and pepper. Then lay them out on a lined dehydrator tray or if using an oven on a baking sheet. Dehydrate at 115 or lower for 24 hours. If baking in the oven turn your oven on to the lowest possible setting and bake until almonds are dry.
In a separate bowl, add 1/3rd of your soaked almonds, raw honey, cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix well.
Spread them out on a dehydrator sheet or baking sheet. Set your dehydrator to 115 and dehydrate for 24 hours. If using your oven, set it on the lowest possible setting and bake until almonds are dry.
For spicy almonds, mix together smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, chives, and enough coconut oil to coat. Spread them out on a dehydrator sheet or baking sheet. Set your dehydrator to 115 and dehydrate for 24 hours. If using your oven, set it on the lowest possible setting and bake until almonds are dry.
I hope you like these healthy crunchy snacks as much as I do. They really are a a treat. Enjoy!
With a vast drop in temperature, darker skies and rainy days, winter is the most yin of all the seasons. It is associated with the kidney and bladder organs, the color black, the element water, the emotion fear, and salty and bitter flavors.
Goji berries are one of the most well known Chinese herbs in the US. Used for over 2000 years in China, they were first mentioned in the Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing, the oldest known book on Chinese herbs in 200 BC. They are prized for their ability to tonify blood and yin without causing stagnation. Consumed daily in China as a food and herbal medicine, goji berries are revered for their anti-aging properties. They are used in many beauty tonics.
