How to Soak Sesame Seeds

Sesame seeds are the seed of the sesame plant,; they are often used in Middle Eastern and Asian cuisine.

Raw food enthusiasts (and all food enthusiasts) love sesame seeds because they are an excellent source of magnesium, iron and calcium, and they can be used in a variety of dishes. Soaking sesame seeds before eating allows you to germinate the seeds, which aids in digestion. It also expels any latent toxins within the seeds. Experts claim that soaking sesame seeds also promotes the absorption of minerals to your body. Soaking sesame seeds also discourages the presence of phytic acid, which is thought to make the seeds taste bitter and lower their nutritional benefits.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring cup
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 4 cups water
• large bowl
• breathable cloth (towel)
• Wire-mesh colander

Instructions

1. Pour 1 cup of sesame seeds into your bowl. Add 2 cups of water.

2. Cover your bowl loosely with a breathable fabric, such as a towel. Make sure the towel covers the top of the bowl. Let stand for four hours.

3. Drain the water out of your sesame seeds in your mesh colander, then rise the seeds again.

4. Return the seeds to the bowl and add 2 cups of water. Place the towel over your bowl again. Soak for four hours.

5. Drain the water sesame seeds in your colander and rinse the seeds again. Your seeds are ready for consumption.

Tips & Warnings

• Soaking works best at room temperature. You can soak your seeds in a refrigerator if necessary, but you will have to double the amount of time they spend in water.

References

• Raw Food Living: Soaking nuts
• Veg health guide: nuts and seeds