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You extract milk from almonds by blending raw almonds with water and then straining the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth.
It’s a surprisingly simple process, and once you know how to extract milk from almonds, you’ll never look at store-bought cartons the same way again.
The result is a creamy, fresh almond milk you can sweeten, flavor, and enjoy however you like.
In this post, we’ll walk through exactly how to extract milk from almonds step by step, the tools you need, and the tips that make the process foolproof.
Let’s get into it.
How Do You Extract Milk From Almonds?
You extract milk from almonds by soaking them, blending them with water, and separating the liquid from the pulp.
That’s the whole game in three steps.
Here’s why each step matters:
1. Soaking Softens the Almonds
Soaking is the first step in how to extract milk from almonds, and it’s the one people skip when they’re in a hurry.
Raw almonds are hard and dense, so soaking them in water for at least eight hours (or overnight) softens the tissue and makes blending easier.
Softer almonds release more creaminess into the milk, and the final result tastes smoother.
2. Blending Breaks Everything Down
Once your almonds have soaked, drain and rinse them, then blend them with fresh water until the mixture looks like a smooth, milky slurry.
This is where you extract milk from almonds, because the blades pulverize the nuts and release their natural fats and flavor into the water.
The finer you blend, the more milk you’ll get out of every batch.
3. Straining Separates Milk From Pulp
Straining is the step that officially completes the extraction, since a nut milk bag or a few layers of cheesecloth traps the almond pulp while the milk flows through.
Squeeze gently to get every last drop, and you’ll be left with smooth almond milk in one bowl and the leftover pulp in the bag.
What You Need to Extract Milk From Almonds
Before you learn how to extract milk from almonds, gather these simple tools so the process runs smoothly:
1. Raw Almonds
You’ll need one cup of raw, unsalted almonds, and blanched almonds work too if you want a lighter color and an even faster soak.
2. A High-Speed Blender
A powerful blender makes it much easier to extract milk from almonds because it breaks the nuts down into a finer pulp.
3. A Nut Milk Bag or Cheesecloth
This is non-negotiable when you extract milk from almonds, since it’s the tool that separates the liquid from the solids.
4. Fresh Water and a Pinch of Salt
Use about four cups of filtered water per cup of almonds, and add a pinch of salt to round out the flavor.
Steps to Extract Milk From Almonds Perfectly
Here’s how to extract milk from almonds in a way that gives you creamy, delicious results every single time:
1. Soak Overnight
Place your almonds in a bowl, cover them with water, and let them sit for eight to twelve hours.
2. Drain and Rinse
Pour off the soaking water and rinse the almonds well, since this removes the compounds that make almond milk taste bitter.
3. Blend Until Smooth
Add the almonds and four cups of fresh water to your blender, and blend on high for about one to two minutes.
4. Strain Through a Nut Milk Bag
Pour the mixture through your bag over a large bowl, then squeeze to extract milk from almonds as fully as possible.
5. Sweeten and Store
Add a date, a little honey, or a splash of vanilla if you like, then store your fresh almond milk in the fridge for up to four days.
So, How Do You Extract Milk From Almonds?
You extract milk from almonds by soaking them overnight, blending them with fresh water, and straining the mixture through a nut milk bag.
It’s a simple three-step process, and once you know how to extract milk from almonds, homemade batches become second nature.
The freshness and flavor are worth every minute, so grab some raw almonds and give it a try.