How to Make Almond Milk at Home

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By lillyharari
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Raw Almonds

With the ever growing need for dairy substitutes, almond milk is finding it’s way into the lives of new families every day. However, the cost of pre-made almond milk can be a major deterrent, with cost ranging to well over $5.50 per liter. Instead, by following the directions below, you will be able to make homemade almond milk at a fraction of the cost! All you need are a few simple ingredients and a blender. So lets get started!

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

bowl
blender
strainer or milknut bag
almonds
water
container to hold almond milk

Step 1

Gather Ingredients

-Water for soaking 4 cups
-Water for Blending 4 cups
-Almonds 1 cup

(makes 2-4 servings)
Step 2

Soak your almonds

In a large mixing bowl combine your almonds and water. Leave your almonds to soak for a minimum of 8 hours. After they are done you will notice that the almonds appear plump and tender. Notice in the illustration to your right how much larger they appear next to dry almond. Now you are ready to proceed to Step 3.
Step 3

Blending your almonds

You will first need to drain your almonds (at the end of these instructions you will find ideas on ways that you may use the “waste” created from your almond milk). After draining your almonds, place in blender along with the water for blending. Start on a low setting and blend for 30 - 60 seconds. Increase power on blender to high and continue to process until almonds are chopped fine, approximately another 60-90 seconds.
Step 4

After your almonds have been blended thoroughly (see image) with the water you need to stain the fluid from the actual almonds. There are two ways to proceed from this point on. The first way is to use a specially made stainer called a milknut bag (see step 6). These bags are very useful since they can be used with any type of container.

Another method is to simply use a sieve to separate the fluid (see step 5). However, it should be noted that this method does require that you have a solid and sturdy surface to work on as is noted below.
Step 5

Straining your almond milk with a sieve

You will need a container to hold the “milk” as it is expressed and a large sieve. Begin by placing the sieve directly over the container you will be using and slowly pour the contents of the blender into the sieve, stopping when the sieve is at most 1/2 full of the solid almond pieces. At this point you will need to press down slowly and firmly on the solid almond mix. It is important if you are using a sieve that you make sure you are working on a solid surface so as to not “push over” your container.
Repeat this process as many times as is needed to completely separate the “milk” from the solid almond pieces.
Step 6

Straining your almond milk with a milknut bag

You will need a container to hold the “milk” as it is expressed and a nutmilk bag. Begin my placing the nutmilk bag over the container that you will be using to collect the “milk”. Unlike the sieve method, you will be most likely able to pour the entire contents of the blender into the nutmilk bag. After you are finished pouring, grab the nutmilk bag by both hands. Place one hand at the top of the solids mass in a firm and secure hold. With your other hand firming squeeze the mass to allow it to release the additional fluid. It might be surprising to notice how much additional fluid is expressed this way.
After you are done “milking” your nutmilk bag you may dispose of the solid almonds (at the end of these instructions you will find ideas on ways that you may use the “waste” created from your almond milk).
Step 7

Step 5. Storing

It is very important to properly store your almond milk immediately after use. Most almond milk can be stored safely for up to 3 days in the fridge. ALWAYS REFRIGERATE ALMOND MILK IN A COVERED, PREFERABLY AIR TIGHT, CONTAINER!
While there are many different methods, trying to preserve and therefore make you almond milk last longer in storage, it is always preferable to make your almond milk more often and keep it fresh. This will allow for better nutrition and taste.