Are you a fan of hazelnuts? Do you love adding them to your smoothies, salads, or baked goods?
If so, you might want to consider soaking them before consuming. Soaking hazelnuts can improve their digestibility, unlock their full nutrient potential, and enhance their flavor and texture.
But how long should you soak them for? In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of soaking hazelnuts and provide you with a handy chart that shows you the optimal soaking times for different types of nuts, seeds, and grains.
Whether you’re a seasoned nut-soaker or a curious beginner, read on to learn more about this simple yet effective technique for making your hazelnuts even more delicious and nutritious.
How Long To Soak Hazelnuts
So, how long should you soak hazelnuts for? According to the chart mentioned earlier, hazelnuts fall under the category of “long-soak nuts” along with almonds and pistachios. This means they require at least 8 hours of soaking time to neutralize their enzyme inhibitors and anti-nutrients.
To soak hazelnuts, simply place them in a large bowl along with some salt and enough water to cover them completely. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and leave it on the counter for 8-12 hours. After they are done soaking, drain them in a colander and rinse well.
Once you’ve soaked your hazelnuts, you can enjoy them as a snack or use them in your favorite recipes. You can also dehydrate them to make them even crunchier and preserve their freshness.
Why Soak Hazelnuts?
Hazelnuts, like other nuts, contain enzyme inhibitors and anti-nutrients that can compromise our digestion and health. These protective agents act as a barrier to prevent germination until the conditions are perfect. However, when we ingest them, they can inhibit the absorption of essential minerals such as iron, calcium, copper, zinc, and magnesium. Soaking hazelnuts replicates the perfect moist conditions required for germination and neutralizes these anti-nutrients and enzyme inhibitors to make them more digestible.
Soaking hazelnuts also activates the full nutrient potential of the nut. The potency of vitamins like A, C, and B get a boost, proteins become more available, and live enzymes are released. Additionally, soaking hazelnuts improves their flavor and texture. Softening the nuts makes it easier to blend them into soups and smoothies. The creamy consistency achieved by soaking hazelnuts before blending isn’t achievable with unsoaked nuts.
The Benefits Of Soaking Hazelnuts
Soaking hazelnuts has numerous benefits that make them easier to digest and more nutritious. Here are some of the benefits of soaking hazelnuts:
1. Improved Digestion: Hazelnuts, like other nuts and seeds, contain enzyme inhibitors that can interfere with our digestive process. Soaking hazelnuts for at least 8 hours helps to neutralize these inhibitors, making them easier to digest and reducing the risk of digestive discomfort.
2. Increased Nutrient Absorption: Soaking hazelnuts also helps to increase the bioavailability of nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and proteins. This is because soaking activates enzymes that break down anti-nutrients like phytic acid, which can bind to minerals and prevent their absorption.
3. Enhanced Flavor and Texture: Soaking hazelnuts can also improve their flavor and texture. Soaked hazelnuts are softer and creamier than unsoaked ones, making them perfect for use in recipes like nut milks, nut butters, and desserts.
4. Reduced Cooking Time: Soaked hazelnuts also cook faster than unsoaked ones. This is because soaking softens the nuts, making them easier to blend or grind into a fine powder. This can save you time in the kitchen when making recipes that call for ground or blended hazelnuts.
How To Soak Hazelnuts
If you want to soak hazelnuts, you will need to follow a few simple steps. First, place the hazelnuts and salt in a large bowl along with 6-8 cups of water. Make sure that the hazelnuts are completely submerged in the water. Leave them on the counter for 8-12 hours. Cover the bowl with a clean cloth and lay it over the bowl to allow the contents of the bowl to breathe.
After they are done soaking, drain them in a colander and rinse well. This will help to remove any excess salt or debris that may have accumulated during the soaking process. Once you’ve rinsed them, you can either use them immediately or dehydrate them for later use.
To dehydrate hazelnuts, spread them on a mesh sheet that comes with a dehydrator. Keep them in a single layer and dry them at 115 degrees (F) until they are thoroughly dry and crisp. Make sure they are completely dry, as this will prevent them from molding and ensure that they have a crunchy texture.
The dry time will vary depending on the machine you own, the type of climate you live in, and how full your dehydrator is when drying them. Expect anywhere from 12+ hours. Once they are dry, allow them to cool to room temperature before storing.
It is best to chop, slice, and grind hazelnuts just before use, as this will keep them fresher longer. They will keep for over a year in the freezer and as long as they are kept in an airtight container protecting them from foods with strong odors.
Optimal Soaking Times For Different Types Of Nuts, Seeds, And Grains
Different types of nuts, seeds, and grains require different soaking times for optimal results. Here is a breakdown of the soaking times for each category:
– Long-Soak Nuts (almonds, pistachios, hazelnuts): These nuts require at least 8 hours of soaking time to neutralize their enzyme inhibitors and anti-nutrients.
– Medium-Soak Nuts (pecans, walnuts, Brazil nuts): These nuts are oilier and swell up quickly, so they require less soaking time than long-soak nuts. They need to be soaked for 4-6 hours.
– Short-Soak Nuts (cashews, macadamias, pine nuts): These nuts have the highest fat content and require only 2-4 hours of soaking time. Do not soak these nuts for longer than 4 hours as it can break down their health-promoting oils.
– Seeds (chia seeds, flax seeds): Chia seeds do not require soaking as they absorb liquid quickly and can be added directly to recipes. Flax seeds should be ground before use and do not need to be soaked.
– Whole Grains (brown rice, quinoa, oats): Whole grains require a longer soaking time than nuts and seeds as they contain more anti-nutrients. They need to be soaked for at least 12 hours to neutralize their enzyme inhibitors and phytates.
It’s important to note that while soaking can improve the digestibility and nutrient availability of these foods, it’s not necessary to soak them every time you consume them. You can also experiment with different soaking times to find what works best for your preferences and needs.
Tips For Storing And Using Soaked Hazelnuts
After soaking hazelnuts, it’s important to store them correctly to maintain their freshness and prevent spoilage. Here are some tips for storing and using soaked hazelnuts:
1. Store in an airtight container: Once you’ve drained and rinsed your soaked hazelnuts, transfer them to an airtight container. This will help to keep them fresh and prevent moisture from getting in.
2. Refrigerate or freeze: If you’re not planning on using your soaked hazelnuts right away, it’s best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer. This will help to extend their shelf life and prevent them from going rancid.
3. Use within a week: Soaked hazelnuts can last for up to a week in the refrigerator, but it’s best to use them as soon as possible for maximum freshness.
4. Dehydrate for longer storage: If you want to store your soaked hazelnuts for longer periods of time, consider dehydrating them. Spread them out on a dehydrator tray and dry at a low temperature until they are completely dry and crispy.
5. Use in recipes: Soaked hazelnuts are great for adding texture and flavor to recipes like salads, granola, baked goods, and nut butter. You can also blend them into smoothies or use them as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
By following these tips, you can make the most of your soaked hazelnuts and enjoy their health benefits and delicious taste.