How to Soak Raw Cashews

Soaking raw cashews can make them easier to digest.

Some recipes, especially those for foods that will remain raw, call for soaked cashew nuts. Some people choose to soak all of their raw nuts to neutralize certain enzyme inhibitors that can lead to difficulty in digestion. Soaking cashews is not quite as simple as throwing them into a bowl of water and leaving them alone for a few minutes. Soaking cashews improperly can lead to bitterness or an unpleasant texture. They can even develop a slimy coating if left to soak for too long.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup raw cashews
• Glass bowl
• 1 tsp. sea salt
• Warm water
• Wooden spoon
• Baking sheet

Instructions

1. Place your cashews into a glass bowl and add the sea salt.

2. Pour warm water into the bowl until you've completely covered the cashews. Stir with a wooden spoon for a few seconds to dissolve and evenly distribute the sea salt.

3. Soak your cashews for four to six hours. Do not under any circumstances soak them for more than seven hours, as this will lead to bitterness.

4. Drain the salty water and spread your cashews on a baking sheet. Place them in the oven on the lowest rack and turn on the oven light. Allow them to dry for around 12 hours; stir every hour or two to avoid burning.

Tips & Warnings

• Store your cashews in the refrigerator in airtight containers.

References

• Healing Naturally by Bee: Cashews, How to Soak & Dry Them
• The Nourishing Gourmet: Soaking Nuts

Resources

• University of California Davis: Fruit & Nut Research & Information Center