recipes | 07 Dec 2020

Homemade almond milk

Benefits of homemade

Almond milk is made by blending whole almonds with water - as easy and simple as that! By making homemade, you are in control of the quality of the milk you are making and its nutritional value. The higher the concentration of nuts, the more nutritious the finished drink. Plus, you know it is free from any added sugars, preservatives or emulsifiers.

Why almonds?

Almonds are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially Vitamin E - good for healthy eyes and skin, and for strengthening the body’s natural defence against illness and infection. The rich protein content helps to keep you feeling fuller for longer, while the manganese helps strengthen your bones and regulate blood sugar.

Soak first - and skin on

Whether eating almonds as a snack or blending them into a milk, I’d always suggest soaking them first. Almonds, like many grains and legumes, contain phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors which bind with minerals and prevent us from digesting and absorbing them. Softening the nuts, by soaking in cold water for at least six hours (or overnight), ensures that the nutrients are more readily absorbed.

I’d also recommend using whole almonds, with the skin on, to increase the fibre and antioxidant quantity of the finished milk.

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Ingredients

200g whole almonds, skin on
1 litre water, plus more for soaking

Method

1. Weigh almonds into a bowl then cover with water and leave in the fridge to soak for 8 hours (or overnight).

2. After soaking, drain through a sieve and then rinse.

3. Place soaked and drained almonds in a high power blender.

4. Add water then blend for approximately 2 minutes.

5. Strain through a nut milk bag or muslin cloth, collecting the liquid in a jug. Make sure you squeeze out the bag to get the most amount of milk!

6. Transfer to a glass bottle and place in the fridge to cool.

7. Shake bottle before pouring. Keep refrigerated and use within 2-3 days.

Tip - don't throw away the content of the nut milk bag. This nutrient-dense almond pulp can be used to make delicious, healthy treats such as energy balls.