How To Process Raw Almonds

To process raw almonds, you need to remove the anti-nutrient phytic acid and soften the nut’s tough exterior through soaking and peeling.
 
Raw almonds are delicious, but they contain tannins and enzyme inhibitors that make them hard to digest.
 
This means that if you want to process raw almonds, you have to get them into a friendly form for your stomach.
 
Whether you want to make your own almond milk, almond flour, or just have a healthier snack, learning how to process raw almonds at home is a game-changer.
 
In this post, we will look at why you should process raw almonds, the best methods for soaking and skin removal, and how to dry them so they last.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

Why You Should Process Raw Almonds

Processing raw almonds is about more than just changing their texture.
 
Here is why it is worth the effort:
 

1. Better Digestion and Nutrient Absorption

The main reason to process raw almonds is to break down phytic acid.
 
Phytic acid is a natural substance found in the brown skin of almonds that binds to minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium.
 
When you process raw almonds by soaking them, this acid breaks down.
 
This allows your body to actually absorb the nutrients instead of just passing them through.
 

2. Smoother Texture for Milk and Flour

If you have ever tried to blend raw almonds that weren’t processed, you know it can be gritty.
 
When you process raw almonds properly, the skin slips off easily.
 
The white nut inside is much softer and blends into a creamy consistency.
 
This is essential if you are making homemade almond milk or baking with almond flour.
 

3. Improved Taste

Raw almonds can sometimes taste slightly bitter due to the tannins in the skin.
 
When you process raw almonds by soaking and peeling them, that bitterness disappears.
 
The result is a sweet, mild flavor that works perfectly in both sweet and savory dishes.
 

How To Process Raw Almonds

Now that you know the benefits, let’s look at the step-by-step method to process raw almonds.
 

1. The Soaking Phase

The first step to process raw almonds is soaking them.
 
Place your raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with water.
 
Add a pinch of salt to the water.
 
Let them sit for at least 8 to 12 hours, or overnight.
 
You will notice the almonds plump up and the skin starts to loosen.
 

2. The Skin Removal Process

Once they have soaked, drain the water and rinse the almonds.
 
To process raw almonds for skin removal, simply pinch the almond between your thumb and forefinger.
 
The almond should slip right out of its skin.
 
If the skin is being stubborn, you can blanch them.
 
To do this, drop the almonds in boiling water for exactly one minute, then transfer them to an ice bath before peeling.
 

3. Dehydrating for Storage

If you want to store your processed raw almonds, you must dry them.
 
If you leave them wet, they will spoil quickly.
 
Spread the peeled almonds on a baking sheet and place them in an oven on the lowest setting, or use a food dehydrator.
 
To process raw almonds correctly for crunch, dry them at around 150°F for 12 to 24 hours until they are completely dry and crisp.
 

4. Grinding into Flour or Making Milk

After you process raw almonds and they are dry, you can use them in many ways.
 
Pulse them in a blender to make fresh almond flour.
 
Or blend the wet, peeled almonds with fresh water and strain through a nut milk bag to make creamy almond milk.
 

Common Mistakes When You Process Raw Almonds

Even though the process is simple, people often make mistakes.
 
Here is what to avoid when you process raw almonds:
 

1. Using the Wrong Water Temperature

Always soak almonds in lukewarm or room temperature water.
 
Hot water can cook the almonds slightly and make them mushy.
 

2. Skipping the Rinse

After you process raw almonds by soaking, you must rinse them thoroughly.
 
The soaking water contains the phytic acid and tannins you just removed.
 
If you don’t rinse, you are putting all that bitterness right back into your body.
 

3. Not Drying Them Completely

If you plan to store your almonds, moisture is the enemy.
 
Make sure they are completely dry before putting them in a jar.
 
If they are still soft in the middle, they need more time in the dehydrator.
 

So, How Do You Process Raw Almonds?

You process raw almonds by soaking them for 8 to 12 hours, removing the skins by pinching them off, and then dehydrating them until they are dry and crisp.
 
This method removes the phytic acid and tannins, making them easier to digest and taste much better.
 
Whether you are making almond milk or just want a healthy snack, taking the time to process raw almonds properly is well worth it.