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What is activating, and why do it?
In nature, a dormant seed or nut contains natural enzyme inhibitors and anti-nutrients designed to protect it until conditions are just right for growth. Activating is the process of soaking seeds and nuts in water, sometimes followed by a brief period of sprouting to gently awaken them from this dormant state. Rather than growing a full sprout with a visible tail, activating simply initiates the chemical changes inside the seed as it prepares to grow.
Why go through this extra step? Soaking neutralizes and releases these anti-nutrients directly into the soak water (which is then discarded), drastically improving digestibility and freeing up the food’s full nutritional potential. Not only does activating enhance the nutritional profile and make nuts and seeds easier on your digestive system, but it also elevates their texture and flavour, leaving you with a delicious, nutrient-dense staple ready to be enjoyed wet or dried for long-term storage.
Go to Earthshine’s full range of activated seeds & nuts here
How to activate seeds and nuts?
To activate seeds and nuts, simply soak them in water with a good pinch of salt, followed in some cases by a pre-sprouting period. This process is not to grow the seed into a sprout with a visible tail, but rather to allow the chemical changes in the seed to occur. Once this process is complete they can either be used immediately, wet, or be dried for storage. Soaked nuts can be stored in the fridge for a few days in fresh water, which should be changed daily.
- Prep: Start by half-filling clean glass jars with your chosen raw seeds or nuts, as they will expand significantly once soaked.
- Soak: Cover them completely with fresh, clean water and add a generous pinch of fine sea salt or Kalahari salt. The salt works alongside the water to help neutralize enzyme inhibitors, making nutrients more bioavailable while enhancing natural flavours.
- Rest: Leave the jars to soak for the required duration based on the specific seed or nut (ranging from 15 minutes for buckwheat to 12 hours for almonds).
- Rinse & Drain: Pour off the soak water—which now contains the released anti-nutrients—and rinse thoroughly several times with fresh water. Can be stored in the fridge for several days, rinse daily.
- Dry: Optional step if you if you wish to store them, put in dehydrator at low temperature until dry and crisp.
Soak, Activate & Drying Times
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Almonds – Buy Earthshine activated almonds here
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Soak Time: 2–12 hours
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Activating Time (after draining): 24 hours
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Approx. Drying Time (at ~40°C): 48 hours
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Walnuts & Pecans – Buy Earthshine activated walnuts and pecans here
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Soak Time: 2–6 hours
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Activating Time (after draining): 24 hours
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Approx. Drying Time (at ~40°C): 48 hours
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Sunflower Seeds – Buy Earthshine activated sunflower seeds here
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Soak Time: 6–12 hours
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Activating Time (after draining): 24 hours
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Approx. Drying Time (at ~40°C): 24 hours
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Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas) – Buy Earthshine activated pumpkin seeds here
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Soak Time: 2–6 hours
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Activating Time (after draining): 12–24 hours
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Approx. Drying Time (at ~40°C): 24 hours
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Buckwheat (Pseudograin) – Buy Earthshine activated buckwheat here
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Soak Time: 15 minutes
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Note that buckwheat requires a very short soak to prevent excess mucilage.
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Activating Time (after draining): 24 hours
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Approx. Drying Time (at ~40°C): 24 hours
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