Keen to try making activated nuts at home? It’s simpler than you might think. While nothing beats the flavour and crunch of our activated range, there’s something satisfying about doing it yourself. If you're up for a kitchen experiment, here’s how to get started.
Firstly, What is Activation?
Activation involves soaking raw nuts in water to kickstart germination – an age-old technique used by traditional cultures around the world. This process helps break down enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid, making the nuts easier to digest and their nutrients more bioavailable. At 2die4, we stick to this method, then gently dehydrate for that crisp, toasty crunch you know and love.
How to Activate Nuts at Home
If you’re giving it a go at home, here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
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Choose Your Nuts Wisely
Go for high-quality raw nuts. Organic is ideal, especially if you’re eating them regularly. The fresher, the better.
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Soak
Place your nuts in a large bowl, cover with filtered water, and add a pinch of sea salt. Here’s a cheat sheet for soaking times:
- Cashews: 2- 4 hours (don’t overdo it, they get soggy quickly)
- Brazil Nuts & Pecans: 4 - 6 hours
- Almonds & Hazelnuts: 8 - 12 hours
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Rinse and Pat Dry
Drain off the soak water (you don’t want to reuse it, it’s full of stuff you’re trying to remove), rinse well under cool water, and give them a gentle pat with a clean tea towel.
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Dry Time
Spread your soaked nuts out on a dehydrator tray or a lined baking sheet. Dehydrate at 45°C (115°F) or lower for 12-24 hours, until they’re bone-dry and crunchy.
No dehydrator? You can sun-dry them on a warm, dry day – just pop them on a clean sheet, cover lightly with a cloth (to keep bugs off) and be patient.
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Store
Once they’re completely dry and crunchy, stash your activated nuts in an airtight jar. They’ll stay good for a few weeks in a cool, dark cupboard – or longer in the fridge.
Pro tip: Once activated and dried, try tossing your nuts with a little maple syrup, cinnamon or sea salt before storing.
The Crunchy Conclusion
Sure, it takes time, but if you’re into DIY and love knowing exactly what goes into your snacks, it’s worth the wait. And if you ever want the crunch without the hassle, you know where to find us.
