Had a new recipe which called for activated almonds.  Well here's what they are and how to activate them.  Sorry too much work for me I will just use regular raw almonds.

Lazy ?? yes. Instructions for those that aren't.

What are activated almonds?

A long time favourite of vegans, raw foodies and many cultures across the world ‘activated' almonds are claimed to be ‘brain food’, ‘more digestible’ and ‘more nutritious’ than natural or roasted almonds.

Advocates of ‘activated' almonds claim that raw almonds contain certain phytochemicals that prevent your body from receiving the full benefit of the nutrients almonds contain.

The activation process requires almonds to be soaked in water for a period of 12 hours. Advocates believe this deactivates the enzyme inhibitors and brings the nut to life. Once the almonds have been soaked, they are then dehydrated at low temperatures (40 degrees) over a 24-hour period. Dehydrated almonds have a similar flavour and texture to roasted.

There is almost no research that indicates whether “activation” works or not.

According to Lisa Yates, nutritionist with Nuts for Life “Activation is like sprouting of grains (wheat or barley grass) or sprouting of seeds (mung bean sprouts or alfalfa sprouts).  It converts some of the starch to simpler sugars, converts some of the protein as the emerging seed is breaking these down for fuel for its new growth.”

Packaged ‘activated' almonds are more expensive than natural almonds so you may like to try the recipe below to ‘activate’ your own almonds or you can try them raw, roasted or in gluten free almond meal to obtain a range of fully verified health benefits.

Almonds provide 28 essential nutrients including vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, fibre and protein. Top of the list is the natural antioxidant, Vitamin E, and there are also good amounts of fibre and protein as well as smaller quantities of B vitamins and minerals. They are also a fantastic source of calcium.

How to activate your almonds!

Activated Almonds
Time: 12-24 hrs soaking + up to 24 hrs drying
Ingredients:
2 cups raw almonds (not roasted or salted)
enough water to cover the almonds in a dish
sea salt or garlic salt or tamari (optional)

• Soak the almonds in the water for 12 hrs
• Rinse the nuts under running water, and if you want to add flavour – add a couple of tsp of your choice of flavour to the rinsed almonds, and stir to combine well.
• ‘Dehydrate’ the almonds on low heat (either in a dehydrator or on the lowest temperature your oven will do). This will take anywhere from 6-24 hrs, depending on the temperature you’re using. The nuts will be done when they feel (and taste) dry.