Cinnamon Roasted Almonds: A Simple Recipe to Make at Home (2024)

FAQs

Do I need to soak almonds before roasting? ›

Soaking and roasting almonds

They can also be soaked and then roasted. Soaking almonds is said to be beneficial to digestion and increase the availability of nutrients in nuts, yet anti-oxidant vitamin E can be lost at the higher temperatures required for roasting.

Toasting raw almonds in particular, and all raw nuts general, usually falls under the “optional but recommended” category. Like trussing a chicken or browning a roast before tucking it into the oven, taking the time to prepare roasted almonds pays off in the long run in many recipes.

Both raw and roasted nuts can be a healthy addition to most diets. Both types are a good source of beneficial nutrients such as Vitamin E, manganese, and omega-3 and 6 fatty acids.

The rich flavor, color and aroma of roasted nuts is due to compounds that are formed in a chemical reaction called the Maillard reaction. This is a reaction between the amino acid asparagine and the natural sugar in the nuts.

Removes phytic acid: When we do not soak almonds, the phytic acid in them is not removed which ultimately hinders nutrient absorption. So if you are having raw almonds, the zinc and iron in them are not properly utilized by the body.

Roasted, for me, means you cook them in the oven, and toasted means you cook the nuts on the stove top. I see both words used interchangeably online, though. I use both methods, depending on whether I need to roast a few nuts or a lot, and how quickly I need them.

Difficulty. Place in cold oven; toast at 350 degrees, 12-15 minutes (9-11 minutes for slivered and chopped almonds), stirring occasionally until lightly toasted.

1. Almonds. Relatively low in calories, almonds are an excellent food for health due to their protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

For example, flax seeds turn into a mucilaginous goo in water, and brazil nuts don't always soak well due to their high fat content. Peanuts can also be soaked, however I didn't include them as they should be consumed sparingly due to inflammatory and allergenic potential.

How many roasted almonds can I eat a day? ›

When compared ounce for ounce, almonds are the tree nut highest in protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin E, riboflavin and niacin. Just remember 1-2-3. 1 ounce of almonds, or about 23 almond nuts, is the ideal daily portion recommended by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

Bitter almonds are those that naturally contain a toxin that your body breaks down into cyanide — a compound that can cause poisoning and even death. For this reason, raw bitter almonds should not be eaten. Boiling, roasting, or microwaving bitter almonds may help reduce their toxin content and make them safer to eat.

Almonds should be stored in an airtight container and it's best to store them in the refrigerator or freezer. Almonds are not recommended to be stored at room temperature for periods of time, so your pantry is not a good idea.

The soaked, and then roasted almonds not only taste amazing—they're more gentle on my stomach. It all has to do with enzyme inhibitors that affect the way your body processes nuts and seeds in general. You can read more about it here.

While soaking almonds may provide some health benefits, it's not necessary or required before you eat them. Whether or not you choose to soak almonds is up to your preferences, health needs, and goals. Ultimately, it's better to eat the almonds rather than to worry too much about whether they were soaked or not.

Instead of roasting, soaking raw nuts can make them easier on your stomach. Some naturally occurring enzymes and acids in nuts are broken down during the roasting process making roasted nuts more digestible. To make raw nuts easier to eat, always chew them well and eat in moderation.

In the study, while soaking almonds for 12 hours did increase calcium and iron, the difference was tiny. On the other hand, soaking walnuts for 12 hours actually decreased the calcium and zinc content (again, by a tiny amount).

Enhanced Nutrient Absorption: Soaked almonds are easier to digest, which allows your body to absorb essential nutrients like proteins, healthy fats, vitamin E, and minerals such as magnesium and calcium more effectively. This translates to greater health benefits and overall nutritional support.