Soaking raw nuts releases the enzyme inhibitors.
When raw, nuts are dormant; after soaking, they’re living! These two different states of nuts is one of the best ways to understand the distinction between raw foods and living foods.
As long as you start with raw organic nuts (from a source you trust) out of their shells, you’ll have a living food after soaking.
Almonds require the longest soak time (16-24 hours) because they’re the hardest of the nuts. The soak water is toxic, so don’t use it, even for watering plants. Rinse nuts well after soaking.
Vast Variety of Nuts
Different nuts require different soak time, and the soak water has different degrees of toxicity. Over time, I’ll add more information at this blog about nuts.
In my raw food cuisine, I’ve used nuts of all kinds. I’ve prepared pistaschio hummus, almond milk, cashew ice cream, walnuts warmed in a dehydrator, pecan cookies, pinenut salad dressings, brazil nut pate, and nut butters. I often add almond meal to my Raw Food Energy Soup.
I especially like almonds because they’re so nutritious, and the most alkaline of all the nuts. Almonds are definitely worthy of being called a superfood, although I don’t consider that all nuts are superfoods.
I especially like the really raw cashews because once soaked they’re very soft and blend into a creamy pudding, adding a texture that is often associated with dairy. Unfortunately, many cashews are sold as "raw" but have had high heat applied to remove the shells. It’s good to be sure that the package says "really raw" or has another qualifier that tells you that high heat has not been applied.
Cacao is also a nut. I eat cacao daily for the rich mineral content, pleasant flavor, and my general well being. In fact, I eat cacao multiple times each day.
Most nuts go well with sweet, sour, bitter, or salty flavorings to build tasty dishes.
Digestion
When eating nuts or any high-fat foods, it’s important for digestion to consume greens with them. Not many greens are natural accompaniments — can you imagine broccoli as a garnish for chocolate mousse?
Mint, spirulina, and sometimes parsley and basil work. And you can also plan to have lots of fresh greens which are loaded with minerals and enzymes for your meal before (or after) a nut/fat dish.
Protein in Nuts
Many people consider that raw foodists must get all their protein from nuts. However, most nuts don’t have all 8 of the essential amino acids that qualify the food as a "complete protein." Almonds do have all the essential amino acids and some of the other amino acids, as well.
Nuts include protein, fat, and carbohydrate, and are more properly classified as a source of fat than a source of protein.
Moderation
As with all food, moderation is the key. Because of the fat content, nuts tend to be very satisfying. When I have a nut dish, it’s frequently my whole meal with perhaps some greens in a salad or as a garnish.
