What To Do With Fresh Almonds

Fresh almonds are incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy them in several delicious ways—from snacking on them raw to roasting, blanching, or turning them into homemade almond milk.
 
If you’ve just harvested a batch or picked up a bag of fresh almonds at the market, you might be wondering what to do with fresh almonds so they don’t go to waste.
 
The good news is that fresh almonds can be used in both sweet and savory dishes, and they’re just as tasty raw as they are cooked.
 
In this post, we’ll explore the best things to do with fresh almonds, how to prepare fresh almonds properly, and a few simple recipes to try.
 
Let’s get into it.
 

What to Do with Fresh Almonds: The Best Ways to Enjoy Them

When you’re figuring out what to do with fresh almonds, the options are honestly endless, and here are the best ways to put them to use:
 

1. Snack on Them Raw

The simplest thing to do with fresh almonds is to eat them raw straight out of the shell.
 
Fresh almonds have a softer texture and a slightly sweet, milky flavor that’s totally different from the dry, crunchy almonds you buy in stores.
 
Just crack the shells open and enjoy them as a healthy snack, and you’ll see why fresh almonds are such a treat.
 

2. Roast Them for Extra Crunch

If you want to know what to do with fresh almonds that have a bit more bite, roasting them is a great move.
 
Spread the shelled almonds on a baking sheet and roast at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring halfway through.
 
You can add a pinch of salt or a drizzle of olive oil before roasting to bring out their natural flavor.
 
Roasted fresh almonds make a perfect snack or a crunchy topping for salads and desserts.
 

3. Blanch and Peel Them

Another great option when deciding what to do with fresh almonds is to blanch them.
 
Drop the almonds in boiling water for about a minute, then transfer them to ice water.
 
The skins will slip right off, leaving you with smooth, pale almonds that are perfect for baking, making almond butter, or blending into sauces.
 

4. Make Homemade Almond Milk

One of the best things to do with fresh almonds is to turn them into homemade almond milk.
 
Soak about a cup of blanched fresh almonds in water overnight, then blend them with fresh water until smooth.
 
Strain the mixture through a cheesecloth, and you’ve got creamy, fresh almond milk that tastes way better than anything from a carton.
 

How to Prepare Fresh Almonds Before Using Them

Before you decide what to do with fresh almonds, it helps to know how to prep them properly:
 

1. Remove the Shells

Fresh almonds usually come in hard outer shells, so you’ll need to crack them open first.
 
A nutcracker works well, or you can use a hammer gently on a hard surface.
 

2. Dry Them If Needed

Fresh almonds have a higher moisture content than dry ones, so if you plan to store them, let them dry in a single layer for a few days.
 

3. Soak for Easier Digestion

Soaking fresh almonds in water for a few hours softens them and makes them easier to digest.
 

Delicious Recipes Using Fresh Almonds

If you’re still stuck on what to do with fresh almonds, here are a few easy recipes to try:
 

1. Fresh Almond Pesto

Blend fresh almonds with basil, garlic, olive oil, and parmesan for a nutty twist on classic pesto.
 

2. Almond-Studded Cookies

Chop fresh almonds and fold them into cookie dough for a lovely crunch.
 

3. Almond and Green Bean Salad

Toss blanched fresh almonds with green beans, lemon, and olive oil for a bright, fresh side dish.
 

So, What to Do with Fresh Almonds?

Fresh almonds are incredibly versatile, and you can snack on them raw, roast them, blanch them, or turn them into almond milk.
 
The best thing to do with fresh almonds really depends on your mood and how much time you’ve got.
 
Whether you’re snacking, baking, or blending, fresh almonds are a joy to cook with.
 
Hope this post has helped you figure out what to do with fresh almonds so you can make the most of every last one.