It’s one of those buzz words we’re constantly hearing about in the health world, but what exactly does “activated” mean? It’s one of those buzz words we’re constantly hearing about in the health world, but what exactly does “activated” mean? Essentially, the process of activating nuts and seeds is to soak them in water to assist our bodies to more easily digest them and absorb all their incredible nutrients.Activating nuts and seeds helps to remove the naturally occurring toxins (such as phytic acid) that prevent other minerals including calcium and iron from being absorbed effectively in our bodies. This also makes it difficult for our bodies to digest the nuts and seeds that can lead to bloating or abdominal discomfort. Soaking them in salty water helps to commence the germination process, allowing our bodies to make the most out of the amazing nutritional value of nature’s little goodies, enhancing those vital digestive enzymes whilst making them deliciously crunchy once dehydrated.The activating process:

  1. Place enough filtered water to cover the nuts in a bowl with ½ (for pecans or walnuts) to 1 teaspoon (for all other nuts & seeds) of salt. Mix until the salt is completely dissolved.
  2. Add the nuts/seeds to the bowl and soak for 6-12 hours (the harder the nut/seed the more soak time required).
  3. Strain the water and rinse the nuts in clean/filtered water.
  4. Place nuts/seeds on a baking tray in the oven (or a dehydrator if you have one) at 50-60 degrees Celcius for 12 to 24 hours or until completely dry and crunchy.

Activation applies not only to nuts and seeds but to grains and legumes also. These are much simpler to manage as the dehydration process is not required. We simply recommend soaking them completely covered in water for approximately 12 hours. If you don’t have enough time on your hands, any amount of soaking is far better for your digestive system than none at all, even if it’s just a few hours in advance of cooking.

Next time you’re in the mood for some nutty or seedy snacks or additions to your meals we suggest making a big batch and storing them to eat as needed. Your body will thank you for it!

Check out our huge range of nuts and seeds to start activating today.