How to Make Nut Milk
A few years ago I did a cleanse, and each night I was given a nut a milk for my evening beverage. On day one it was almond milk and it was great. Then on days two and three, I had the most magical milk made from brazil nuts. Maybe it was the whole not-eating-solid-food-for-two-days thing but I swear every sip made R&B music go through my mind. It was soothing, satisfying and I knew I needed to start making it for regular consumption.
I've always had a special affinity for brazil nuts due to their high levels of selenium which is key for proper thyroid function, something I am acutely aware of when it comes to my own health. Selenium helps with everything from mood balancing to inflammation and just 1-2 brazil nuts a day is all you need.
Nut milks are also great for anyone who has a hard time digesting dairy but enjoys cream in their tea, coffee, or cereal. Store bought nut milks often have several chemicals added to make them shelf stable, making them a very questionable "health food" in my opinion.
A homemade nut milk has very few ingredients, saves you money, and is quite simple to make once you get in the right rhythm.
Brazil Nut Milk
Servings: about 4
Inactive time: 4-8 hours
Active time: 5 mins
What you need:
- High-powered blender
- Cheesecloth or nut milk bag
- 3 Cups filtered water
- 1 Cup brazil nuts
- 1 Medjool date
- 1/2 Teaspoon vanilla bean powder or 1 teaspoon alcohol-free vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt, to boost overall flavor
Directions:
Soak the nuts in water for 4-8 hours, then drain and rinse them thoroughly. Put the nuts in a blender with 3 cups of fresh, filtered water. Blend until smooth.
Strain the whole mixture through a nut milk bag or a couple of layers of cheesecloth. Put the strained liquid back in the blender and mix with vanilla, sea salt and pitted Medjool dates. Blend well, then strain again for optimal texture.
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Notes:
>> This recipe will work with most types of nuts or seeds, such as almonds, cashews, hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds. You could even use dried coconut in the same proportions to make coconut milk.
>> After buying nuts or seeds it's best to store them in your freezer to prevent them from going rancid. Nut rancidity it very hard to detect with sight or smell but will affect the flavor and health benefits.
>> Nut milks will naturally separate, so make sure to store it in a container with a tight lid and give it a good shake before pouring.