Almonds have long been revered as the epitome of health and wellness. These nuts are among the richest sources of nutrients essential for optimal health. Rich in dietary fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals, a handful of almonds will nourish your heart, your skin and your immune system, assist in reducing LDL (bad) cholesterol and promote efficient energy production too.
Did you know...
Our Aussie almond farmers are 'quiet achievers', building a healthy food industry that is the second largest almond crop in the world.
5 ways with almonds.
We wanted to show you how super versatile almonds can be. So many recipe possibilities for the humble nut. These are our favourites:
1. Almond Milk
Water and almonds and a dash of good quality salt and voila! Almond milk free of commercially bought additives.
2. Orange, Coconut & Almond Meal Hotcakes
Use the leftover almond pulp from your almond milk (dry it in a dehydrator or oven on very low heat first) to make hotcakes.
3. Raw Almond Halva
Combined with sesame seeds this treat will assist in lowering LDL cholesterol.
4. Almond Butter
Place almonds (and any other delicious flavours) into a high powered blender and press play. Almond and cacao, almond and maple? The flavour combo's are endless.
5. Almond Bliss Balls
A great post workout protein option, or for a busy day on the go.
But wait! We have a sixth way to use almonds and it is right here for you.
Amazing Roast Almond, Chocolate & Celtic Sea Salt Clusters.
You will need:
1 1/2 cups roasted almonds, roughly chopped**
1 cup cacao
3/4 cup coconut oil*
5 tablespoons rice malt syrup*
Sea salt flakes (preferably not finely ground)
*If the weather is cool you will need to warm the coconut oil and rice malt syrup in a saucepan on the stove over low heat. If the weather is warm no prior warming/melting is required.
Line a large baking tray with baking paper.
Combine the cacao, coconut oil and rice malt syrup in a large mixing bowl. Stir the almonds into the chocolate mix. Place this bowl of chocolatey almond goodness into the refrigerator for 30-60 minutes (depending on how how runny it is), giving it a stir once or twice during that time. Once the chocolate is firmish and sticky, remove from fridge.
Using two spoons, dollop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the prepared tray. Sprinkle with sea salt, be generous but don't overdo it. Place tray into the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
These chocolates will need to be kept in the fridge in an airtight container.
What have we missed from our "5 ways with almonds list above"? How do you enjoy your almonds?
** Almonds are one of those ingredients that can pose digestive issues in some people. These nuts contain enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid that can prove challenging for some digestive systems (think bloating, gas and general discomfort). Activating removes this issue and is simply the process of soaking your almonds in water to break down the enzyme inhibitors and phytic acid to make the digestion and absorption of nutrients so much easier. We detail exactly how to activate your almonds here.
