fbpx Skip to Content

Do you wash your seeds and nuts?

Share the love :)

Have you ever wondered if you should wash your seeds and nuts before eating them? While it might seem like a bit of extra work, this can actually help remove harmful toxins and improve their flavor. Keep reading to learn more about why you should wash your seeds and nuts, and how to do it properly.

Many people don’t realize that they should wash their seeds and nuts before eating them

Eating healthy is an essential part of living a balanced life, but few people realize that it’s just as important to properly wash your nuts and seeds before eating them. Many cultures have been doing this for generations, understanding that it helps reduce the levels of bitter compounds present in the nuts. Recent studies have also revealed significant levels of bacteria in raw nuts and seeds, so washing them thoroughly can help your body stay healthy and efficient. If you’re looking to make nut and seed meals part of your diet, always make sure to take the time to wash them beforehand!

Both seeds and nuts can contain harmful bacteria that can make you sick

Eating certain seeds and nuts can expose you to dangerous bacteria. In Australia, salmonella poisoning has been linked to eating contaminated macadamia nuts. While proper cleaning and cooking steps can reduce the risk of getting sick from these foods, some of these bacteria may still remain present in the food even after it is cooked. To be safe, it is advised to eat only fresh, clean seed and nut goods that you have cleaned or prepared yourself so that you know they have not come in contact with any unnatural elements that could pose a threat to your health. By taking extra care when consuming these foods, you can lower your chances of ingesting microscopic threats hidden in otherwise healthy snacks.

It’s easy to wash your seeds and nuts, just put them in a colander and rinse them under running water

Washing your seeds and nuts with a colander is an easy, budget-friendly way to ensure they’re clean. This simple method is the perfect way to remove dirt or debris from any kind of seed or nut – simply put them in a colander, then rinse with water. Once you’ve washed them, spread them out on some paper towel to let them dry. By washing your seeds and nuts ahead of time, you minimize the risk of spoiling them before eating. Enjoy fresh ingredients that come from dirt-free sources!

You can also soak them in a solution of vinegar and water for 30 minutes to kill any bacteria

Soaking seeds and nuts in a vinegar and water solution is an effective way to kill off any bacteria on the surface. The acidity of the vinegar helps break down bacteria that can linger on or within the husk of the seed or nut. Just remember to rinse thoroughly with clean water afterward, as the vinegar may have a strong after-taste if left on the food. As with all foods, it’s important to practice properly handling and preparing raw ingredients like nuts and seeds. Soaking them in a vinegar and water solution for 30 minutes can give you increased peace of mind that your food is safe to eat.

Be sure to dry your nuts and seeds thoroughly before eating or storing them

Eating raw nuts and seeds are a healthful addition to any diet, as they are packed with protein, minerals, healthy fats and other vitamins. However, in order for them to be truly beneficial to your body, you must ensure that you are drying them thoroughly before consuming or storing them. Moisture can cause mold and bacteria growth, so if the moisture levels in the nuts or seeds remain too high then it can turn out to be a rather unhealthy snack. Therefore, taking careful measures to make sure they are fully dry is essential. You can try things like oven heating or sun drying yardage depending on how much time and effort you want to devote to this process. Either way it’s an important step that can make the difference between a delicious and nutritious treat on one hand or an unappetizing “treat” on the other.

Now that you know how important it is to wash your seeds and nuts, and how easy it is to do, there’s no excuse not to make sure they’re clean before eating them. Be sure to rinse them well under running water or soak them in a vinegar and water solution for at least 30 minutes. Then dry them thoroughly before storing or eating. By taking these simple steps, you can avoid getting sick from harmful bacteria.

You may also enjoy:

Is Cheese Vegetarian Friendly?

Kathy

Wednesday 7th of April 2021

Many commercial nuts are sprayed to extend the life. The spray does not need to be noted on the pkg. A doctor told this to a friend who got an asthma attack after eating walnuts from the bag . Since I learned this I rinse all nuts. You will notice a milky white color when they are rinsed.

Alexandra

Thursday 20th of October 2016

I never thought of washing or soaking them before eating ! I`ll do that from now on , thx for the tip !

Mac

Tuesday 23rd of August 2016

How do you dry them, and how long does it take? Can they be placed in a warm oven to dry?

Anna-Marie

Tuesday 23rd of August 2016

Hi Mac, I usually just pat them dry in a clean non-linty kitchen towel. You could dry them in the oven set to a very low temperature - 150-200° for about ten minutes. After I pat mine dry with a towel I let them air dry, usually it takes a few hours. They will only start to get mushy and moldy if you seal them in a container or a bag while they are still soaking wet. Hope that helps!

Dee

Wednesday 27th of August 2014

I would say the reason I never thought of washing my nuts/seeds is because they grow in the middle of something ... hull, shell, etc so they shouldn't come into contact with the same contaminants as fruit and vegetables. Are you sure it wasn't just the brown color of the almond coming off in the water? I can however see the benefit of soaking to make them easier to digest.

Anna-Marie Walsh

Wednesday 27th of August 2014

I am pretty sure it was all dirt coming out in the water. You can see the little specks of the dirt left in the water. Thanks for the comment!

Helen Corbin

Tuesday 27th of August 2013

I always knew to soak your nuts before making nut butters or nut milks but only to soften them. Never knew there was actually a sanitary reason to wash them - good to know.