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Dehydrate Nuts and Seeds:
A Healthy Way to Preserve
Your Favorite Nuts

How to dehydrate nuts and seeds: well, in a (rather long) nutshell...

Do you love indulging in a handful of your favorite nuts and seeds? If so, you're in luck—because drying them is a healthy way to preserve them! Not only does dehydration lock in the flavor and nutrients of your favorite varieties, but it also makes all the effort of creating dehydrated nuts that result in a perfect on-the-go snack.

Today, I'll discuss the health benefits (digestive system) of dehydrating, why soaking and dehydrating nuts is important, and why it impacts their Phytic acid content.

When you soak and dehydrate nuts, their drying times will vary depending on the kind of nut or seed being dried, so be sure to do your research ahead of time. Let's get started!

Drying Nuts and Seeds

When you dehydrate nuts and seeds, it's a simple process that is done in a dehydrator, oven, or even in the sun.

The method you choose will depend on the type of nut or seed and the quantity you are drying. Dehydrating is the best way to preserve their flavor and texture. It also prevents them from going rancid.

NOTE: Read the individual nuts and seeds sections about soaking nuts first!

To dehydrate nuts and seeds in a dehydrator, spread them out on the dehydrator tray and set the temperature to between 130-140 degrees F. Dry for 12-24 hours, or until the nuts or seeds are crisp.

To dry in an oven, preheat to 130-140 degrees F and spread the nuts or seeds on a baking sheet. Bake for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until the nuts or seeds are crisp. You can also dry nuts and seeds in the sun.

Spread them in a single layer on a clean towel and place them in direct sunlight for 1-2 days, turning them occasionally so they dry evenly. When they are dry, store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place.

Please note that we don't need to soak seeds prior to dehydrating them.

Soak and Dehydrate Nuts!

Many people soak nuts first, while others do not. What is the right approach? When soaked and dehydrated nuts are ready to eat, their flavor improves, along with their texture. However, it is important to drain and dry the nuts thoroughly before dehydrating them, as this will help to prevent mold growth.

In addition, when we soak and dehydrate nuts, it can increase the risk of rancidity, so it is important to dehydrate the nuts as soon as possible after soaking. For these reasons, some people prefer to skip the soaking step altogether.

If you choose not to soak them, dehydrate nuts and seeds for a longer period to ensure that they are completely dry.

What is Phytic Acid?

Phytic acid is a compound found in the hulls of seeds, nuts, fruits, and grains that can prevent the absorption of certain nutrients. Phytic acid can also bind to minerals in the gut, again, preventing them from being absorbed.

To remove the Phytic acid, it is important to soak them before eating them.

After seeds and nuts have been soaked and dehydrated, that step removes the Phytic acid. Soaking or dehydrating helps to make them more nutritious and easier to digest.

Enzyme Inhibitors

What are enzyme inhibitors? Enzyme inhibitors are substances that bind to enzymes and prevent them from working properly. They are found naturally in plants, where they play an important role in protecting the plant from predators and disease.

Many enzyme inhibitors are also used in industry, where they are used to improve the shelf life of food products by dehydrating seeds or nuts or soaking grains. Some enzyme inhibitors are also used as drugs to treat medical conditions such as heart disease and cancer.

Here's How to Dehydrate Nuts and Seeds

drum roll, nuts first followed by the seeds:

Pine Nuts

Dehydrating pine nuts is easy! Just Spread them out smoothly on a tray and dehydrate them at 115 degrees for 12-24 hours. You'll know they're done when they're crisp and have no moisture left. Don't over-dehydrate them or they may burn.

They are great in baking, as a topping on salads or pasta, or just as a snack! To rehydrate, soak in water for 30 minutes, then drain. Add to recipes as desired. Dehydrated pine nuts will last up to 6 months in an airtight container stored in a cool, dark place.

Macadamia Nuts

Macadamia nuts are a delicious, versatile, and healthy snack. They can be eaten raw, roasted, or dehydrated. Drying these nuts is a great way to preserve them for a long time. It's a simple process that is done in a dehydrator or oven.

First, peel the nuts and then soak in water for at least 24 hours. Next, drain them and let air-dry. Finally, place in the dehydrator or oven at a low temperature until completely dehydrated.

Dehydrating macadamia nuts makes them last longer and preserves their flavor and nutrition. They are a great source of Healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are also low in carbs and calories. This makes them a perfect snack for people on the go!

Pecans and Walnuts

Drying walnuts and pecans are a great way to preserve them for year-round enjoyment. And there are so many uses for these delicious nuts! You can use them in recipes, add them to granola or trail mix, or simply enjoy them as a healthy snack. Best of all, drying your own nuts is very simple to do.

Start by spreading the nuts out on a baking sheet. Then bake at a low temperature (200 degrees Fahrenheit) for about two hours, or until the nuts are dry and crisp.

Once they're cooled, store the nuts in an airtight container. They'll keep for six months to a year this way.

So go ahead and enjoy your homemade nuts - they'll be tastier and healthier than anything you could buy at the store!

Making Crispy Nuts

Making crispy nuts is easy and only requires a few ingredients. First, preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Next, spread the nuts on a baking sheet and roast for 10 minutes.

Then, remove the nuts from the oven and let them cool completely. Finally, enjoy your crispy nuts! crispy nuts are a great snack that everyone can enjoy. Plus, they're perfect for satisfying those pesky hunger cravings.

So next time you're looking for a tasty treat, be sure to give crispy nuts a try!

Raw Nuts

People have been eating raw nuts (and seeds) for centuries and many cultures consider them a delicacy. 'Raw' means that have not been roasted or otherwise cooked.

To rehydrate them, you simply soak them in water for a few hours. Once rehydrated, they can be eaten as is or used in recipes. Eaten raw, they are a healthy, nutritious food that is safe to eat.

Almonds

Almonds are a type of stone fruit that grows on trees. They have brownish-white skin and creamy white flesh. Raw almonds are actually the seed of the fruit, which is encased in a hard shell.

Almonds are a popular food ingredient and are used in both sweet and savory dishes. They can be eaten on their own or used to make almond milk, butter, or flour. Almonds are also a common topping for salads and desserts.

In addition to being a delicious food, almonds are also packed with nutrients. They are a good source of fiber, protein, vitamin E, and magnesium.

Studies have shown that eating almonds can helps lower cholesterol levels and improve heart health. Additionally, almonds are linked with better brain function and a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease.

Pumpkin Seeds

Did you know that you can dehydrate your own pumpkin seeds at home? This process is not difficult, and it allows you to control the ingredients and level of saltiness.

First, start with raw, hulled pumpkin seeds. Soak the seeds in water overnight, then drain them and spread them on dehydrator trays.

Dehydrate the seeds at a low temperature until they are crisp. You can then add salt to taste or wait to add salt until after roasting.

Roasting pumpkin seeds is a simple process: just toss the dehydrated seeds in a bit of oil, then roast at a high temperature until they are brown and crispy.

Enjoy your homemade roasted treats as a healthy snack!

Sunflower Seeds

Sunflower seeds are a type of seed that comes from the sunflower plant. The scientific name for the sunflower seed is Helianthus annuus (honest!)

Sunflower seeds can be used to make a number of different foods, including sunflower butter and sunflower oil.

How To Make Sunflower Seeds: First, soak the seeds in water for a few hours, then drain them and place them on a dehydrator tray. Dehydrate them at a temperature between 115-120 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-24 hours, or until they are crisp.

Once dehydrated, you can roast the seeds in the oven at a low temperature (around 200 degrees Fahrenheit) until they are browned and fragrant. You can then add salt to taste.

Sunflower seeds are a healthy snack that are enjoyed roasted, as part of a trail mix, or as an addition to salads or baked goods.

Flax Seeds

Flax seeds are a source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals. They can be eaten raw or dehydrated. Soaking or dehydrating flax seeds helps to release enzymes that make them easier to digest.

They are a good source of fiber, magnesium, and Omega-3 fatty acids. Add them to smoothies, oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods.

The health benefits of adding flaxseed to your diet help improve digestive health, heart health, and joint health.

Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are a delicious and healthy addition to many dishes, but they can be a bit tricky to work with. If not properly dried, they will spoil quickly. Luckily, there are a few simple methods that can be used to dry these special seeds.

One method is to spread the seeds out on a baking sheet and place them in a preheated oven. The other is to place the seeds on a clean towel and allow them to air dry. And my favorite way: Dehydrate them! It's a great way to extend their shelf life and make them easier to store.

To dehydrate them, simply spread them out on a baking sheet and bake at a low temperature until they are dried out. Once dehydrated, the seeds can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

When ready to use, simply rehydrate by soaking in water for a few hours or overnight. Use these dehydrated seeds in any recipe that calls for sesame seeds, such as baked goods, stir-fries, or curries.

Whichever method you choose, check on the seeds regularly and remove them from the heat as soon as they are dry. With a little care, you can enjoy them for months to come.

Using Sea Salt

If you're looking for a way to add some extra flavor to your nuts, sea salt is a great option. The salty taste of sea salt can help to enhance the flavor of nuts, making them more enjoyable to eat.

Additionally, sea salt can help to keep nuts fresh for longer. When stored in an airtight container with sea salt, nuts will stay fresh for up to six months.

So if you're looking for a way to add some extra flavor and freshness to your nuts, sea salt is certainly worth a try.

Filtered Water

When you're ready to soak and dehydrate nuts, soaking them in filtered water first helps to remove any impurities that could spoil the dehydrating process, as well as making it easier to remove the skins later on.

Simply soak the nuts or seeds in filtered water for at least 12 hours, then drain them thoroughly before dehydrating. When you soak and dehydrate nuts, this simple step ensures they will be of the highest quality.

Long-Term Storage

Now you're ready to store your treats for long-term storage. The best way to store them after dehydrating is in Mason jars, in a cool, dark place. They will last for several months when stored properly. Be sure to label the containers with the date of dehydrating so you can use them before they go bad.

When you dehydrate nuts and seeds, it is important to dehydrate them completely so they do not spoil. If you are not sure if they are dried enough, it is better to err on the side of caution and dehydrate the nuts longer. Enjoy!

I'd Love to Hear From You! Tell Me
How You Dehydrate Nuts and Seeds!

So, there you have it! The basics on how to dehydrate nuts and seeds and whether to soak and dehydrate them, or just simply skip the soaking.

By following these simple steps, you can enjoy your favorite variety of nuts and seeds for months on end—without having to worry about them going bad.

Have you ever tried dehydrating fruits, vegetables, or meats? If so, we’d love to hear about your experiences. Drop me a line here at Easy Food Dehydrating.

Get our Six Simple Steps Email Course

Don’t forget to join our Six Simple Steps: How to dehydrate fruits, vegetables, and meats in our free email Mini Course — where we show you how to dehydrate food safely following our 6 steps.

Susan Gast began Easy Food Dehydrating in December 2010. Read Susan's story of what sparked her interest in all things related to "food dehydrating."

Susan is featured on Mother Earth News blog, and on Solo Build It (SBI) who host this site along with her sister site, Finally-Keto. Read her first SBI interview, and her second SBI interview. Susan also runs an additional SBI website: SusanGast.com - Non-Fiction Author - and showcases many of the books she's created and marketed over the years.

Since 1980, Susan's involvement in publishing - in one form or another - led her to create a "review site" of products related to the publishing industry. Visit ePubTechReviews today.

Do you want to send Susan a quick message? Visit her contact page here. She'd love to hear from you!

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