Nuts and Seeds Done Right

Nuts and seeds are tasty, nutritious additions to a healthy diet. Proper preparation maximizes their benefits. Always choose raw and organic—it goes without saying, but I’m saying it anyway. Soaking is the key to unlocking their full potential for supporting your holistic living.

Maybe you love nuts but feel bloated after eating them. Maybe you want to absorb more nutrients. You’re designed for a diet that nourishes effortlessly.

Why Soak?

Nuts and seeds contain phytic acid, a defense mechanism to deter predators. They also have enzyme inhibitors that prevent premature sprouting. These are great for plants but can stress our digestion—ever notice undigested nut bits in your stool? Phytic acid and inhibitors make it tough to absorb nutrients.

Soaking in warm water with salt removes phytic acid and neutralizes enzyme inhibitors. This eases digestion and boosts beneficial enzymes, increasing vitamins, especially B vitamins, and improving nutrient absorption for health.

How to Soak Nuts and Seeds

Here’s the simple method to soak your nuts and seeds:

• Dissolve 1 Tbsp sea salt in water per 4 cups of nuts or seeds.
• Pour saltwater over nuts/seeds, ensuring they’re fully covered.
• Leave in a warm place for the specified time (see below).
• Drain and rinse in a colander and spread on a stainless steel pan.
• Dry in a warm oven (no hotter than 150°F), turning occasionally, until crisp, about 12-24 hours. A dehydrator works too. Drying turns your soaked nuts into “crispy nuts”.

Ensure they’re completely dry to prevent mold and keep that crispy texture. Longer soaking means longer drying.

Soaking Times:

• Garbanzo beans: 12-48 hours
• Macadamia: 4 hours
• Flax seeds: 6 hours
• Cashew nuts: 6 hours
• Pumpkin seeds: 7 hours
• Walnuts: 8 hours
• Pine nuts: 8 hours
• Broccoli seeds: 8 hours
• Pecans: 8 hours
• Hazelnuts: 8 hours
• Almonds: 12 hours
• Alfalfa seeds: 12 hours

Pro Tips:

• Salt removes tannins and dust residue for a cleaner taste.
• Don’t reuse soaking water—it may contain harmful substances.
• Soaking makes peels easy to remove.
• For nuts soaking over 8 hours, re-wash and change saltwater every 8 hours.

These steps ensure your nuts and seeds are digestible and nutrient-rich, a staple in my Wise & Wild Way.

Why It Matters

Soaking transforms nuts and seeds into powerhouses for health. It’s a small step with big rewards—better digestion, more vitamins, and a happier gut. I prep my “crispy nuts” in bulk and store them in the freezer for quick use. You don’t need to settle for digestive woes. You’re made for a diet that fuels your health and life.

Join My Journey

Grab your “Crispy Nuts” PDF here

I’m here for practical, real ways to live better, live wise, wild and free. Want more nutrition hacks and insights for your self-discovery? Sign up for my newsletter and check out Sharise Uncut. Let’s eat smarter together.