How to peel and peel almonds

Almonds are a delicacy popular all over the world. This fruit contains a whole storehouse of substances useful to humans. But the difficulty lies in the fact that such a valuable product is not so easy to clean. After all, in addition to the shell, the nut also has a thin skin, which is quite difficult to remove.

Shelled almonds are not as tasty and not as healthy as peeled almonds. In addition, the thin film on the nut contains substances that will not have the most favorable effect on human health. These substances can provoke an allergic reaction in the body, slow down and complicate the digestion process.

Therefore, it is necessary to peel almonds.

How to quickly peel almonds at home? Let's figure it out.

Peel removal methods

The following manipulations will allow you to easily remove the skin from shelled specimens.

Towel

Blanch the creation in question as directed earlier. Lay out a sufficiently sized waffle fly on a flat surface. The nut kernels are laid out on one side of the manufactory. Second cover them.
Start rubbing and massaging the cataclasite in your hands through a towel. Stop the procedure and take the already peeled kernels. Repeat the procedure with the uncleaned ones. Scale the nuts one at a time if necessary.
Thanks to this method, all that remains is to clean a sufficiently large number of nucleoli. The only drawback of the method is that there are some unshelled nuts left that need to be robbed one by one. In addition, you will have to get rid of the towel, most likely.

Plastic bag

After blanching, place the nuts in the check. This method is somewhat similar to the previous one. Start talking and massaging the product in your hands. Continue to carry out manipulations until (for the time being) the nuts are completely cleaned.
As an alternative, try rolling the package with its contents on a flat surface with a rolling pin. The problem is time and honor to know only that, most likely, the kernels will be damaged. Next, pour the peeled nuts into a sieve and shake. The husk will rise up. Ant. down, the nuts will remain at the bottom.
After you have blanched or soaked after cleaning, be sure to rinse the raw materials with cool water. This procedure will prevent the kernels from darkening. After this, be sure to put the nuts in the oven for 1 hour to dry at a temperature of 70 degrees.
It is worth noting again one subtlety: if the nuts were soaked and not blanched, they need more time to dry. Otherwise, the finished product can be used in its original form or fried. Everything will depend on the recipe and personal preferences.
It is also worth mentioning in the book that there are 2 types of almonds - bitter and sweet. Only the second option is consumed as food. The problem is that the first raw material contains toxic compounds. Hard almonds are used exclusively in the manufacture of medicines and cosmetics. Eating such a product is strictly prohibited.

Conditions and periods of storage of shelled and peeled almonds

We are used to nuts being sold already shelled. This makes life easier, but they require special storage conditions.

How to store shelled almonds

Avoid direct exposure to sunlight;
The storage location should be dry, cool and dark;
Only absolutely dry almonds without signs of spoilage or mold are suitable for storage;
Fruits should not be stored next to foods with a strong odor, as they will absorb the odor;
Storage containers must be hermetically sealed; A glass jar with a lid or a container with a vacuum device is suitable;
Dried nuts are best for storage; roasted nuts go rancid faster;
Do not mix almonds with other types of nuts;
When storing almonds in their original packaging, follow the label instructions;
Once opened, transfer them to a jar or container and refrigerate;
Almond flakes last less than whole almonds, and almond flour even less.
The kernels can be stored for up to six months in the refrigerator and up to a year in the freezer.
Almonds stored in the refrigerator do not lose their properties and taste.

In addition to the refrigerator, they can be stored in a cool pantry or on an insulated balcony if the temperature there does not exceed 16-18 degrees Celsius. However, under such conditions the shelf life is shorter.

Do not store almonds outdoors without packaging - they will spoil within a few weeks.

A rancid smell and bitter taste are signs that the product has gone bad. Do not try to revive such nuts - a spoiled product will only cause harm and can lead to poisoning.

Fruits in the shell are less demanding on storage conditions, but here, too, certain conditions must be observed.

Storing almonds in shell

For storage, only dry nuts without mold or rust and with intact shells should be selected.
Storage containers must be airtight and can be bags, boxes or glass jars with a loose lid;
Do not store in plastic bags, as moisture remaining inside will cause the product to quickly deteriorate.
When storing shelled almonds, good air circulation is important;
It is necessary to maintain relative air humidity no more than 70%;
The lower the temperature, the longer the shelf life;
at temperatures from -150C to 00C they are stored for up to 5 years, at temperatures from 100C to 200C - up to 2 years.

Important: The shelf life is calculated from the moment the nuts are collected. If the almonds are from the previous year's harvest, then this period is shorter.

It is better to use shelled nuts for storage. They retain their nutritional properties and taste longer and are less difficult to store. And if you buy them during the season, they save your budget. The only problem is that you will have to clean them yourself.

How to peel almonds

When the nut is freed from the shell, you can see the kernel covered with skin. It is edible, but during consumption it imparts a slight bitterness, so it is recommended to remove the husk.

The fruits are often used to prepare desserts, in which case the appearance of the dish can be spoiled by the husks. To decorate cakes, only peeled kernels are used.

There are many different ways to remove husks. Everyone can choose the simplest and most convenient one for themselves.

How to peel almonds using the soaking method

The easiest way to remove the husk is soaking. In this case, use hot water. The algorithm of actions is as follows:

The kernels are poured into a deep container.
Fill with hot water.
Let stand for 15 minutes.
Drain the water.
Rinse thoroughly.
After this, the nut is held between the fingers and pressed on it. The husk should remain in your hand. This procedure is repeated with each nut.

When pressing on wet nucleoli, they may “shoot off”, so the cleaning process is carried out carefully, covering the hand with the second palm.

How to peel almonds using boiling water

In this case, it is necessary to use boiling water. The essence of the method is to let the skin completely soak, after which it peels off easily:

Boil water.
Wash the almonds thoroughly.
Place in a colander.
Place in boiling water for 1 minute.
Pour into a deep container.
Fill with cold water.
Leave to cool for 15 minutes.
When the kernels swell, the skin will peel off on its own without outside help.
After this, the nuts must be strained.
If the skin remains on some kernels, you can remove it by pressing with your fingers.

The kernels are dried in the oven, after 30 minutes the almonds can be used for cooking.

How to peel almonds using temperature changes

There are a large number of ways to clean almonds from shells and husks. Another option that can be used to remove the skin is a difference in temperature conditions.

The work process looks like this:

Take a deep container.
Pour some shelled almonds into it.
Pour boiling water over.
Let stand for 10 minutes (or you can let it simmer for 60 seconds).
Drain the hot water.
Pour in ice water for 5 minutes.

After this, take the nut and press on it. If the skin is easily removed, then everything was done correctly, otherwise it is recommended to repeat the procedure again.

It is important to consider that this cleaning method also has advantages, for example:

the kernels do not break during the cleaning process;
The cleaning is high quality.

Among the disadvantages are:

work takes a lot of time;
It is impossible to peel many almonds at one time.

After the shell and husk have been removed, it is necessary to dry and roast the almonds.

How to quickly peel almonds with a towel

Since the cleaning process takes a lot of time, you should choose a less expensive method. Using this method has only one significant drawback - the kitchen towel will be damaged.

The work algorithm looks like this:

Almonds in the husk are placed in a saucepan.
Fill with water.
They put it on fire.
Bring to a boil.
Cook for 3 minutes.
Then the water is drained and the nuts are washed under cold running water.
Since the upper shell was soaked at the time of boiling, you should pour cold water over the kernels for 5 minutes.
After this, the cold water is drained and the process of peeling the almonds begins.
A kitchen towel is spread on the table.
Sprinkle nuts onto one part in a thin layer.
Cover with the other edge of the towel.
Use your hands to rub the nut kernels through the towel. The nuts leave all the husks on the towel, resulting in them being whole and clean.

If it was not possible to completely peel everything at once, then you need to select clean almonds, put them in a separate container, and repeat the manipulation with the remaining nuts.

Mistakes and how to avoid them

The most common mistakes made when peeling pecans are:

Excessive force. When shelling nuts, the kernels often crack and crumble. This happens because too much force is applied when cleaning them. To avoid this, reduce the pressure when the shell begins to crack. With stronger pressure, the already cracked shell will still crack, but the core will remain intact.
Incorrect placement of almonds during cracking. If the nuts are not properly placed between the handles of a nutcracker or garlic press, the shells will partially break when cracked, but will not crack. In order for the shell to crack well, the applied force must be on the edge of the nut.
Poor lighting and inconvenient location. Processing almonds is a labor-intensive task that requires attention and concentration. Poor lighting and uncomfortable conditions increase the likelihood of grain spoilage. For comfortable work, choose a place with bright lighting and comfortable conditions.
Using inappropriate equipment. If the garlic press does not have a ribbed handle or the tongs do not have a special groove, you will not be able to crack the nuts quickly and efficiently. Use only tools that are suitable for this type of work.
Long term cooking. Many people cook almonds for 10 or even 20 minutes instead of 5, thinking that longer cooking will remove the skin faster. This is wrong. The skin will not peel off easier, but the taste and usefulness of the product will be lost. To remember to cook the nuts, set the timer.
Long soaking. It is also not recommended to soak almonds for a long time: keeping them in water for several hours provokes the development of pathogenic microorganisms. In order not to forget the soaked kernels, you can put a sticker on the container and write on it the time when you need to drain the water from the nuts, and also put the jar of almonds in a visible place.

Carefully.

It is also not recommended to peel a lot of almonds at once: peeled almonds are poorly stored and quickly lose their properties. To avoid spoilage, peel only as many almonds as you need for cooking.

Peeling almonds from shells and skins is easy, and there is no need to purchase special equipment. There are handy tools you can find around the house to help clean nuts. To keep your clean kernels intact, it is important to follow cleaning instructions strictly and avoid common mistakes.

Clearing the shell

The drupe, which contains the core, is quite strong; it cannot be opened manually. Therefore, you can peel almonds only with the help of special devices. As such, you can use a hammer, garlic press, pliers or a special device for chopping nuts.

Method 1: Hammer

The easiest way to quickly get to the delicious kernel is to use a regular hammer. To carefully split the shell into two pieces without damaging the grain itself, you need to lightly hit the hard edge of the nut with a hammer several times. It is necessary to calculate the force of the impact so as not to accidentally break the core.

Method 2: garlic press

A device for chopping garlic is found in almost every kitchen. There are special holes on the inner surfaces of the garlic press handles for cracking nuts. If such a device has a small hole with a diameter corresponding to the size of the almond, then you can safely use it for its intended purpose.

If it is missing, then you can put the nut in the recess where garlic cloves are usually placed and press on the shell so that it cracks.

Method 3: Nutcrackers

There are many different models of nut crackers

Some of them are designed for crushing only walnuts, so when buying such a device, you need to pay attention to whether it can crack almonds

It is best to choose a universal nut cracker that can easily break the shell of a nut of any size, including almonds.

Method 4: Pliers

If you don't have a nutcracker or hammer at hand, you can use pliers. This powerful tool is capable of splitting even the toughest nut shells. The main thing is to try not to squeeze the pliers too hard. Otherwise, the core may be crushed.

How to crack a shell

To deal with the husks, you need to know how to peel almonds. You can split it at home using:

nutcracker;
hammer;
garlic press.

Advice!
During the splitting process, the fruit must be positioned so that the force exerted is on the edge. Then the shell will open into two wings and the grain will remain intact.

If you often have to crack almonds at home, it makes sense to buy a nut cracker. There are simple tools on sale in the form of pliers and serious devices that work on the principle of a lever. To crack almonds you need to follow a number of simple steps:

Place the fruit in a special hole.
Press the handle.
Free the kernel from shell fragments.

Why almonds need to be peeled

It is necessary to peel almond nuts from the film so as not to harm your health.

The thin skin of the fruit contains substances that are very harmful to humans under the scientific name “benzaldehyde” and “amygdalin glycoside.” Without going into all the details and subtleties of medical chemical terms, let us clarify that such substances can inhibit the regeneration of damaged tissues, thicken the blood and, accordingly, cause irreparable harm to the heart and blood vessels, as well as reduce the body’s protective capabilities.

In addition, as mentioned above, the peel can provoke an allergic reaction: skin rashes, respiratory rhythm disturbances, swelling. Almond film causes allergies quite often. At the same time, a person may not even suspect that he has an individual intolerance to such a product. And the taste of such skin leaves much to be desired. If you are lazy and throw an unpeeled nut into baked goods, you can significantly spoil its taste.

But tender and tasty almond milk cannot be obtained from unpeeled fruits, just like almond flour.

Is washing necessary and why?

Packaged almonds

Raw almonds packaged at the factory must be washed. Many people believe that if a product is sold in its original packaging, then it is absolutely pure. This is wrong.

Although sanitary standards are observed at the industrial enterprise, the finished product cannot be called absolutely clean. Almonds receive contamination while passing through the processing line - through:

crushing machines;
sieves;
transportation lines.

Dust, machine oil residues and other dirt may appear on the surface of the nuts.

Companies that produce premium quality products wash almonds before packaging. The label of such a product usually indicates that it has already been washed and is completely ready for use.

Important!

If packaged almonds are fried or glazed, they do not need to be washed.

Bulk

Almonds purchased in bulk at the market or in a store must be washed:

At market traders, the product is left in the open air and dust and dirt get on it.
Loose goods are often touched by hands, scattered and dropped, so that various viruses and pathogens may be present on the surface of almonds.
To ensure that large volumes of kernels are well stored, they are often treated with chemicals that repel pests and prevent mold and rot.
If stored improperly, the product may harbor pests: midges, moths, rodents. Pests leave waste products, pathogenic bacteria and helminth eggs on the surface of the kernels.

What are the benefits and harms of the skin?

Is the husk useful?

Helps remove excess water from the body.
Improves metabolism.
Increases the body's immunity to viral diseases.
Normalizes the functioning of the cardiovascular system.
Helps get rid of thinness due to anorexia and recover after major surgery.
The high content of vitamin E has a beneficial effect on the condition of the skin.
The skin contains epicatechin, flavonols and catechins that reverse oxidative stress and actively fight cell damage.
Magnesium reduces the frequency and intensity of headaches, relieves emotional stress during nervousness and depression, and normalizes sleep.
The amino acid phenylalanine has a beneficial effect on the nervous system.
Iron prevents the development of anemia.
Folic acid reduces the risk of premature birth in pregnant women and the likelihood of developing congenital pathologies in the fetus, ensuring normal childbearing.
Essential fatty acids regulate metabolism and have a choleretic effect.
Enzymes and minerals strengthen the skeletal system, improve the condition of teeth and nails.

Harmful properties

Almond skins, due to their hardness, can cause digestive problems for those who are prone to them.
Phytic acid, the content of which is highest in the skin, slows down the body's absorption of iron, calcium, magnesium and other beneficial substances.
People prone to allergic reactions may experience nasal congestion, dizziness, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Benefits of shelled almonds

It’s worth looking at the composition of almonds, and it immediately becomes clear that this product is healthy.

This is due to the presence of tocopherol, which is important for vision, heart health, strengthening the muscular system and preventing cancer of the genitourinary system, especially in men, as well as a large amount of B vitamins.

Among them is B1, which not only supports the cardiovascular system, nervous system and brain, but also strengthens the immune system and gives the body strength to fight alcoholism.

B2, also known as the beauty vitamin, is responsible not only for the appearance of the body, but also participates in all biological processes occurring in the body, helps in the absorption of proteins, fats and carbohydrates, positively affecting digestion. B3 helps slow down aging, ensures efficient functioning of the heart and joints, and regulates normal hormonal functions.

Vitamin B5 is involved in strengthening the immune system, preventing arthritis and arthrosis, some heart diseases, restoring the connection between neurons and muscles, which means people can perform the physical actions and movements they intended. B6 prevents nervous disorders and skin problems, preventing aging, and is also able to relieve cramps and spasms in the calf muscles.

B9, better known as folic acid, is necessary for pregnant women, as it ensures the proper formation and development of all systems and organs of the unborn child.

In addition, almonds are known for their rich set of micro- and macroelements, the largest number of which are presented in it:

Calcium and phosphorus, which ensure healthy hair, bones, and teeth.
Potassium, which regulates blood plasma and has a great influence on blood vessels and the heart.
Magnesium, which supports the efficient functioning of the nervous system.
Manganese, which supports the absorption of vitamins E and B, immunizes against infections, controls bone growth and development, regulates digestion and brain activity.
Iron, which is a necessary component in the process of hematopoiesis and hemoglobin formation.

Thanks to a rich set of plant flavonoids, which have the ability to neutralize the negative effects of free radicals, slowing down cell destruction, almonds delay the aging of the body. In addition, flavonoids prevent atherosclerosis, dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Almonds are considered among the most medicinal in the medical community.

They are beneficial for patients with heart disease and atherosclerosis, and have also been proven to strengthen the nervous system and have enveloping properties, reducing digestive reactions to certain foods.

Systematic consumption of almonds improves brain activity, increases hemoglobin levels and relieves anemia, strengthens the bone system, helps cleanse the kidneys and relieve inflammation in them.

Eating a handful of almonds can relieve migraine headaches, reduce belching and bloating, improve mood during depression, regulate sleep and relieve insomnia.

The beautiful half of humanity uses the cosmetic properties of almonds; The industry produces almonds as a skin cleanser, makeup remover and anti-aging face creams and masks.

Almonds are especially used in shampoos, oils, hair and eyelash products that are made with almond extracts to promote growth and shine, as well as improve scalp health.

Eating almonds is important for pregnant women, since the vitamins and minerals it contains prevent hair loss and not only nourish the expectant mother’s body, but also ensure the proper development of the child. And the fiber, which the nut actually contains, helps eliminate digestive problems, which are known to every woman expecting a child.

For men, almonds are useful as a powerful aphrodisiac, increasing potency, stimulating sperm formation and significantly improving its composition. Additionally, men can benefit from the hair-strengthening properties of almonds. A milk mask with crushed almonds can fight baldness by strengthening hair follicles and stimulating hair growth.

“Important: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare professional before taking any advice. Neither the editors nor the authors are responsible for any damage caused by this material.”

Unusual cleaning methods

Unusual methods include the following:

To do this, take a bottle of classic Soviet champagne, place the nut exactly under it and hit the fruit with the bottle. The product can be divided into halves by splitting it in half.
Use a garlic press. This method is suitable for small-sized nuts. The whole fruit is placed inside, after which the handle is pressed. When a cracking sound appears, the handles are compressed less, as a result of which the cores receive targets.

When choosing a method for cleaning walnuts at home, they prefer different methods. The main thing is to remember that the use of any tools must be careful to avoid injury.

Walnuts are a storehouse of vitamins and minerals. Eat healthy fruits and take care of your health.

What do we have to do?

Many people wonder how to peel almonds. So, everything is actually very simple.

As a rule, the store sells dried nuts in shells. When eating almonds in their pure form, the almonds must be peeled. Also, peeled and roasted nuts (both whole kernels and crushed) are widely used in many culinary recipes, in the preparation of various cakes, cookies, marzipan, pastries and other dishes, both to improve the taste and as a decoration. In all recipes, it is recommended to pre-clean the nuts, since the peel can affect the quality of the finished product, noticeably deteriorating it.

How to peel almonds? Peeling nuts from husks at home is not the easiest or most enjoyable process. How to peel almonds without problems? This can be done in several ways.

Beneficial features

What are the benefits of nuts? The good thing about almonds is that if you include them in your diet, you can overcome various diseases (even chronic ones). At the same time, these nuts are incredibly useful for a healthy person. Just a couple of kernels per day is enough. Sweet varieties of almonds are considered the most beneficial. These nuts help remove sand from the kidneys. They are an excellent aid in the treatment of urolithiasis.

Almonds are also useful in case of disturbances in the urination process, as well as for enhancing potency. Nuts also have choleretic properties. By consuming these kernels, a person improves blood composition. Therefore, almonds are often used to treat anemia. The nut has a beneficial effect on the liver and spleen. Due to its composition (the presence of magnesium, potassium and phosphorus) it has a positive effect on the vascular system and the heart. Regular consumption of nuts also improves brain activity. Almonds have a positive effect on the nervous system. He calms her down. Almonds also help with insomnia. Thanks to this, you can avoid using medications.

Almonds have antioxidant properties. The substances contained in this nut prevent the destruction of healthy cells. This means that the risk of malignant tumors is reduced. Almonds also prevent the development of cancer. Sweet varieties of nuts are good for the stomach and intestines. Almonds are also an excellent cosmetic product. The nut is also used externally. For these purposes, almond oil and seed emulsions are used. These products are used for both skin and hair. They are also used for stretch marks and cellulite.

How to peel roasted almonds

Many people roast the nuts immediately after purchase; they have a pleasant aftertaste and an appetizing aroma. You can also remove the skin from roasted almonds; this is easier to do than from fresh ones. Pour the nuts into a sieve and rub on it, the dry skin will come off on its own. Remove the husks by hand so that they do not interfere with the cleaning process. Roasted nuts can be blanched as described above; be sure to dry the nuts from water before storing.

Face value of the product

The kernels are based on the most valuable vitamins included in the B-group. They have the best effect on human health and the nervous system in particular. These substances stabilize the psyche, prevent nervous breakdowns and eliminate sleep problems. The composition also contains beauty vitamins, represented by retinol and tocopherol. They are responsible for improving the condition of nails with skin and hair.
The kernels contain a variety of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, sodium, selenium, blister and others. They are required for the coordinated functioning of internal organs. There are also unsaturated fatty acids, the main task of which is to reduce cholesterol deposits and improve the condition of the nail plates and hair. Dietary fiber improves the functioning of the digestive system and prevents congestion.
According to some reports, consuming nuts will help diabetics lower the concentration of glucose in the blood. This product also cleanses the kidneys of sand and small formations in the form of pebbles exactly 0.5 cm long. Nuts of this variety cleanse the blood, improve its function, and increase the level of hemoglobin due to the accumulation of iron in the composition. It is beneficial to take almonds for problems with the gallbladder and spleen.
According to some data, almonds are responsible for increasing male strength. If representatives of the male half of humanity have problems with potency, it is unpretentiously necessary to eat it. In this case, after cleansing, the product is mixed with honey and pieces of citrus (preferably lemon). This composition is consumed a couple of spoons daily. Of course, such a composition does not negate the use of means of directed action. The value of raw materials has been proven as an effective product for increasing lust.
Since the composition contains a lot of phosphorus, it is necessary to introduce the composition into the diet for people who are systematically exposed to mental stress. The product will also have a positive effect on people who work physically. For some people, substances from the nuts replenish their reserves of strength, tone up the agrocenosis, and strengthen muscles. Beta-carotene is responsible for vision and prevents serious pathologies such as cataracts and glaucoma.
If we consider the application of raw materials in the world of cosmetics, lean almonds are used in most cases. It has a moisturizing effect, exfoliates the skin, and restores cellular regeneration. Oil is also used in dermatology because it fights psoriasis, dermatitis, other rashes of unknown origin and eczema.

How to dry walnuts in the oven

Walnuts are peeled, sorted by size, washed and dried from excess moisture on a towel.
Then nuts of the same size are placed on a baking sheet and placed in an oven heated to 40-45°. Some believe that you can increase the temperature to make the process go faster. But in this case, the nuts may become boiled, become oily, and have an unpleasant aftertaste.
The nuts are dried in the oven for 2-3 hours. It is advisable to keep the door ajar. At the end of drying, the temperature is raised to 70° and the nuts are kept in the oven for about another half hour. Drying time depends on the size of the fruit, its degree of ripeness and humidity.
To check readiness, you need to crack the nut and taste it. In well-dried nuts, the kernel will break easily.
The walnuts are removed from the oven and left in the air to ripen a little more. If after this the kernels are rubbery and soft, then the nuts will need to be put in the oven for a while longer.

How to use after?

Husk

Peanut husks can be used in gardening as a source of nitrogen to fertilize poor soil. To do this, in the fall or spring, when digging up the soil, scatter dry peanut skins onto the soil in a thin layer.

From the dry shells you can prepare a medicinal cough tincture. It can only be used in consultation with your doctor if you have a severe cough or sore throat.

Important!

Peanut husk tincture should not be given to children under 4 years of age!

Peel

The shell is a good source of minerals for the soil, in addition, it has a repellent effect on some pests and their larvae. To use as fertilizer, all collected hard shells are burned to ash and added when digging up an area or into holes when planting various crops.
Peanut shells are highly flammable, so they can be used as kindling for a stove or barbecue. A layer of shells is placed on the bottom of the grill or oven, and firewood or coal is placed on top.
Lightly crushed shells can be used mixed with straw as mulch. For 1 part straw use 0.5 parts dry peanut shells.

Peanut beans can be consumed either with a thin reddish husk or in peeled form. Peeling peanuts is easy - when roasting or water processing, the thin skin easily comes off the kernels. When consuming unrefined kernels, you should remember that their reddish shell is a strong allergen, and if consumed in large quantities it can cause gastrointestinal disorders.

Natural way of drying

The drying method affects how high quality the dried product is and how long it can be stored.
The natural method allows you to dry the nuts in their shells outdoors in the sun. It is not necessary to wash the harvested crop. If the fruits have been washed, they must be wiped dry. A cloth is spread on the ground, on which ripe nuts are scattered in one layer. It will take two or three weeks for the nuts to dry properly. To prevent dew and rain from soaking the crop, they bring it indoors at night and monitor the weather conditions. This method is easy, but outdated. When lying on the ground for a long time, harmful microorganisms can develop in the fruits. If even a little dampness gets into the raw material, some of it may deteriorate, as well as the taste of the nuts. Natural methods are used by conservative gardeners. There is a natural method when the nuts are dried not in the open outdoor space, but in a drying shed, where there should be air circulation. The room during the process should be well ventilated.

You can use wooden lattice trays. Before drying walnuts, they are cleaned and sorted. Be sure to wash the nuts. It is better to lay out the products on the racks in one layer. Boxes or trays with products should be placed on the shelves of the rack. There should be good air flow to each tray. Dried fruits make an excellent food supplement; they can be eaten as a separate product or planted in the spring.

Standard methods for peeling almonds

There are several ways to remove the skin from almonds. To do this you will need hot water, a towel, boiling water, and a rolling pin.

To properly clean the nuts, they are either poured with boiling water, wiped with a towel, put in a bag and wielded with a rolling pin, fried in a frying pan, etc.

But now first things first.

Using boiling water and a towel

With the help of simple kitchen tools (in this case, a towel) you can greatly simplify the process of peeling almonds.

To do this, you don’t even have to pour boiling water over the nuts. To remove the skin from the nuts as quickly as possible, you first need to boil them. To do this, pour unpeeled nuts into an enamel container, fill them with water and boil over low heat for up to 3 minutes. After this, the nuts are filtered and doused with cold water (a colander is perfect for this procedure). Then the fruits are kept in cold water for another three minutes.

After this, the almonds are laid out on a clean and dry kitchen towel, and the other half is covered on top and the towel is thoroughly rubbed with your hands. After this procedure, the film will remain on the towel, and you will get clean nuts. If the first time it was not possible to remove the film from all the fruits, repeat the manipulation with the towel again.

After this, the cleaned delicacy should be dried in the oven.

Using water

Water is the first aid for cleaning almonds. A simple soaking procedure is suitable for this.

The grains are poured into an enamel container and poured with boiling water.

Leave the soaked grains in water for 15 minutes.

Then the water is drained using the good old remedy - a colander and they are again filled with cold water this time, left for 2-3 minutes. You can simply hold the colander with nuts under running cold water for 2 minutes.

After this procedure, the nuts remain in the shell, but they are now easy to get out of there. The swollen and softened film is easily removed simply by grasping the nut with two fingers and pressing on it. The nut will simply jump out of the shell. Despite the fact that this procedure must be carried out with each grain separately, in 5-7 minutes you can clean up to 300 grams of delicacy.

To carry out the drying procedure, cover a baking sheet with parchment, pour the peeled kernels onto it and place in an oven preheated to 180° for 10 minutes. Stir the nuts several times with a wooden spatula so that they dry evenly and toast a little.

Using a rolling pin

A kitchen rolling pin will help you peel almond grains quickly and effectively. To do this, first soak the nuts in boiling water, then give them a contrast shower, pouring cold water on them.

After this, the kernels are placed in polyethylene, you can use cling film, carefully wrapping the edges so that the nuts do not jump out, and run over them with a rolling pin

It is important not to overdo it, so as not to crush the grains themselves.

If one manipulation was not enough, and there are still unpeeled grains in the bag or film, the procedure is repeated again.

Storage methods

To enjoy the excellent taste of almonds, it is necessary not only to purchase, peel and roast the kernels correctly, but also to store them correctly.

Almonds absorb foreign odors very quickly, so they should be stored in a carefully closed package or container. The container must be perfectly clean and dry. It is better to avoid plastic containers and use a glass jar. Direct sunlight will also quickly spoil the nut, so it must be stored in a dark place. Well, if you followed all the rules for storing almonds, but still feel their rancid taste, it means that you initially purchased a spoiled product in the store.

Peeled almonds are a tasty and healthy treat that will saturate your body with vitamins, microelements, antioxidants and other beneficial substances.

Video: how to peel almonds

Almonds with skin - woe to all baked goods. It gives it an unpleasant bitterness. Dry petals flake off and create unsightly crumbs in the dough. And the dough with unpeeled almonds immediately turns into an unaesthetic brown tint, but not in an even layer, but in places. Therefore, almonds must be peeled. There are fast and slow ways to do this. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Hot method of peeling almonds

To do this, use hot boiled water. The trick is to soak the skin so it can easily separate from the almond kernels. Boil water in a saucepan. There should be plenty of it, so that you can lower the colander with the kernels into the boiling liquid. Wash the almonds first.

It should remain in boiling water for no longer than a minute. Then fill the kernels with the same water and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. The kernels will swell and the skin will peel off on its own. The almonds are filtered through a sieve or the same colander, the skin is easily separated with your fingers and the kernels are left to dry. After half an hour they can be used for baking.

Plus:

Almonds are peeled quickly and easily.

Minuses:

You need to use safety precautions (you are working with steam and boiling water).
The kernels will have to be dried additionally.

A towel to help the hostess

Almonds can also be peeled dry. An ordinary kitchen towel or fabric of the same size will help. It is better to take a waffle towel - it is more rigid, and small squares on the fabric help to clean the almonds faster.

Place the nuts in a towel.
Fold it in half.
Rub the towel containing the kernels between your palms or by rolling it over the table.
The husks will fly off from the kernels, after which the centers need to be put aside in one direction and the peels removed in the other.

Pros:

The speed and simplicity of the method.
Almonds remain dry and are immediately ready for further processing: frying, adding to dough, salads.

Minuses:

Not all kernels are cleaned at once; sometimes you have to use this method twice.
During the peeling process, the almonds break down. It's no big deal if you plan on chopping it.

How to peel almonds by hand

You can swap the cleaning and frying process. If you dry the almonds, and then cool and remove the skin, it will be more effective. The manual cleaning method is good because the kernels remain beautiful and do not break. It is suitable if you plan to make a dish using whole almonds. For example, ice cream, homemade Snickers, cake or brownie sprinkled with these luxurious delicious grains.

So, take the tonsil by the spout, bend the crust from the end of the spout with your fingers and remove it. Or squeeze the tonsil with your fingers, it will fly out into the prepared container without any clothes, and the peel will remain in your hands.

Pros:

Accuracy.
Marketable condition.

Minuses:

Take some time.
Requires skill and finger dexterity.

Almonds are useful for their invaluable content. It contains a lot of vitamin E, phosphorus, magnesium, without which the nervous system and brain do not function well. Iron and zinc are beneficial for active blood flow, hair growth and strengthening nails. Almonds are filling and contain nutritious plant-based protein. Lastly, it's amazingly delicious.

For baking, almonds are dried in the oven at temperatures up to 100 degrees (no more) for half an hour. If the temperature is lower, for example, 80-90 degrees, keep the kernels on the baking sheet a little longer - up to 40 minutes. This is a very tasty additive for aromatic baked goods.

In their raw (not dried) form, almonds are very useful in salads. Mix raisins, honey, almonds, whole or cut into pieces, add a couple of orange slices. So the most useful vitamin cocktail for a gourmet is ready. It will give you energy and vigor for the whole day.

How to prepare nuts for peeling

In stores, we most often see almonds that have already been removed from the shell. The nuts grow sealed in a dense shell; it is as hard as a walnut, and it takes a lot of effort to crack it. If you bought just such nuts, then you first need to open the shells. The easiest way is to break it with a hammer, masher or use a garlic press. Take your time, split the shell lengthwise so that it does not crumble.

When you take out all the nuts, pay attention to the brown shell with which they are covered. It is precisely this that gives that unpleasant bitterness in taste, which is why almonds need to be peeled. If you try to remove it right away without preparation, you will not succeed. The skin fits tightly to the nut and if it separates, it is only slowly and with almond particles.

Choose beautiful, smooth nuts. Those that emit an unpleasant odor and look untidy, put them aside and then throw them in the trash, they are not suitable for consumption. Pour selected almonds into a deep cup and fill with warm, clean water so that all the nuts are in it. Leave the bowl of water on the kitchen counter overnight to allow the almonds to swell a little. Don't worry about the taste, it won't go away.

Almonds come in 2 varieties: sweet and bitter. The peel is removed from both types.

In the morning, drain the water from the cup, place the nuts in a colander, and rinse again with clean water. Take one nut and press it with your fingers on both sides. The fruit will slip out of the skin without difficulty, do the same with other fruits. Peeling the nut becomes much easier.

How to peel almonds - methods

At home, the skin can be removed without much effort. Most methods are based on the principle of temperature influence. Due to heating or cooling of the nut, the skin loses its strength and is easily peeled off by hand. Cleaning will take about 5-10 minutes, it all depends on the volume of the nut. In the microwave

Take a special microwave-safe cup. It must be deep. Place nuts in the bottom of the cup, then fill them with hot water. Place the cup in the oven and heat for 30-40 seconds. Then drain the water and peel the almonds. The microwave power should be at maximum, then the water in the cup will almost boil. Do not overdo it with heating; keep the cup in the oven for no more than one and a half minutes.

In cold/boiling water

Soak the prepared almonds in a pan filled to the top with hot water. You can set the water to heat up so that it does not have time to cool down. Do not forget to stir so that the nut does not burn in this case. Continue heating the water for 5-10 minutes. Drain the almonds in a colander and immediately transfer to a bowl of cold water. Leave the nuts to sit for 5-10 minutes. Then drain the water and clean them with light finger pressure.

How to peel almonds with a towel

Spread the prepared nuts in an even layer on a regular clean towel and cover it with the other side. Move your hands over the towel, applying slight pressure with your palms. Do not press too hard, otherwise some of the nuts will crack. Grind the almonds for 2-3 minutes. Instead of a towel, you can use another fabric, preferably dense.

Other ways to clean nuts

Another cleaning method is to pour the almonds into a plastic bag and shake and knead them with your hands. It cleans well, but the nuts must first be soaked in water overnight.

To save energy, do not rub the nuts with your palms, use a rolling pin. Roll it over the nuts for 2-3 minutes, do not press too hard, otherwise the nuts will crumble.

If you don't have a lot of nuts and don't have time to wait long, take a small knife and scrape the skins.

How to peel the husks from soaked nuts

To free the almonds from the brown skin, you need to pour the nuts into a deep container. Fill with water (not hot) and leave overnight.

Nuts in water

In the morning, drain the water and clean the grains by squeezing them with your fingers or rubbing them in a towel.

With this method, almonds should be dried longer (at 50-80⁰C) than when boiled.

Storing Green Almonds

Green almonds are rarely found on store shelves. If you managed to purchase this healthy and tasty product, it is important to ensure proper storage.

Typically, young green almonds are stored in the refrigerator, preferably in vacuum packaging. If this is not possible, the almonds are placed in a hermetically sealed plastic container or plastic bag. Store the product in vegetable boxes.

Some housewives freeze green almonds. It is pre-packed in a plastic bag or vacuum.

Important! There should not be a drop of liquid on the green nut shell. Otherwise, the product will begin to mold and rot.

How to properly store nuts

Shelled nuts must be stored under certain conditions so that they retain their taste and aroma. Surely in every home there is a place that will meet the following parameters:

without access to light;
without access to moisture;
away from heating elements (ovens, heaters).

The temperature for storing almonds should be from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. You can place the nuts in the refrigerator, but only in a separate container, away from foods with specific odors.

Place the nuts in a clean, dry container with a tight lid and leave it in a cupboard, counter, or kitchen drawer. You can store nuts in a vacuum bag, in a plastic bag or in any other container that will protect the nuts from moisture. Under the correct storage conditions, almonds can be stored for up to several months.

Do not mix it with other nut crops under any circumstances, otherwise mold will quickly develop on the fruits and subsequently they will spoil.

Peeled almonds are an excellent alternative to a snack, because they quickly satisfy hunger and also nourish the body with useful microelements.

By learning how to properly handle unpeeled raw nuts, you will not only make life easier in the kitchen, but you will also discover a delicious delicacy without a bitter taste forever.

The use of nuts in cosmetology

Are almonds good for cosmetic purposes? Without a doubt. Let's look at some simple recipes for cosmetics with almonds.

Cleansing foam

Peel the kernels, crush them and cover with water. For 10 g of nuts, take 100 ml of water. Leave this mixture to brew for 1–1.5 days. Finely grate baby soap or a special soap base, add to the infused almonds and melt in a water bath. Pour into a container convenient for you and use for washing.

Anti-aging masks will help you always look irresistible

Scrub

A rejuvenating scrub is prepared from 3 tablespoons of ground almonds (can be combined with the hard shell), 2 tablespoons of honey, juice of ¼ orange and mint leaves. All ingredients are mixed and applied to the face with massage movements. After 1-2 minutes of massaging, carefully rinse with warm water.

For greater effect, you can add coffee, honey, citrus juice and various essential oils to cosmetics.

Body mask

This mask helps improve the effect of the diet because it tones and nourishes the skin. To prepare it you will need ground coffee, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, 4-5 tablespoons of almond oil. You can take coffee after drinking, as long as it is without sugar. Apply the resulting mixture to the body with massage movements and rinse after 20 minutes.

Should you soak almonds?

Although soaking may result in some improvement in their digestion and nutrient absorption, unsoaked almonds are still a healthy addition to your diet.

These nuts are a good source of dietary fiber, protein and healthy fats, as well as an excellent source of vitamin E, manganese and magnesium ().

In particular, the peel is rich in antioxidants, especially polyphenols, which may protect against several chronic diseases, including heart disease and type 2 diabetes (, , ).

Regular consumption of almonds has been linked to weight loss, lower LDL (bad) cholesterol, increased HDL (good) cholesterol, and blood sugar control (, , , ).

Additionally, consuming tannins and phytic acid is not necessarily harmful, as both antinutrients have been shown to exhibit antioxidant effects and may protect against cardiovascular disease and some forms of cancer (, , ).

Potential Benefits of Soaking Almonds

Research shows that soaked almonds may benefit your health.

May be easier to digest

Almonds have a tough, hard texture that can make them difficult to digest ().

However, soaking softens it, potentially making it easier to digest (, ).

Almonds also contain antinutrients that can interfere with digestion and absorption of certain nutrients such as calcium, iron, zinc and magnesium (,).

While research shows that soaking can significantly reduce the levels of antinutrients in grains and legumes, there is limited evidence of the effectiveness of soaking almonds or other nuts (,).

In one study, soaking almonds at room temperature for 24 hours reduced phytic acid levels—but by less than 5% ().

Another study found that soaking ground almonds in salt water for 12 hours resulted in a 4% reduction in phytic acid levels ().

Notably, an 8-week study of 76 adults found that soaking did not improve digestive symptoms. In addition, phytic acid levels in soaked almonds were the same or slightly higher than in raw almonds ().

Overall, research is mixed on whether soaking almonds reduces antinutrient levels or helps reduce digestive symptoms.

May increase absorption of certain nutrients

Soaking can make almonds easier to chew, increasing the availability of nutrients.

Research shows that breaking almonds into smaller pieces by chewing or grinding allows more nutrients, especially fats, to be released and absorbed (,).

In addition, digestive enzymes can break down and help absorb nutrients more efficiently (, ,).

However, one study found that soaking whole almonds had little effect on the availability of some minerals, including iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc ().

In fact, when almonds were ground before soaking, the concentrations of these minerals decreased, even though phytic acid levels also decreased ().

Thus, soaking may aid fat absorption, but may conversely reduce mineral availability.

Some people like soaked almonds better

Soaking also affects the texture and flavor of the almonds.

Raw almonds are hard and crunchy, with a slightly bitter taste due to the tannins they contain ().

Once soaked, it becomes softer, less bitter, and creamier, which may be more appealing to some people.

Recipes with almond flour

"Strawberry French Macaroon Cookies"

Ingredients:

lemon juice – 20 ml;
sugar – 360 g;
food coloring – 4 g;
almond flour – 255 g;
dried lavender flowers – 5 g;
strawberry puree – 230 g;
pectin – 5 g;
powdered sugar – 240 g;
soy powder – 10 g;
water – 180 ml.

Cooking method:

Heat the strawberry puree, add 15 g of sugar and pectin powder. Bring to a boil, sweeten with another 100 g of sucrose, simmer for 10 minutes over low heat. Add lavender flowers, lemon juice.
Remove the pan with strawberry puree from the heat and cool.
Heat water (120 ml), add sugar (80 g), soy powder, beat until smooth foam is obtained.
Prepare syrup from water (60 ml) and sugar (170 g). Pour into the soy foam in a thin stream.
Mix powdered sugar, coloring and almond flour. Add to soy mixture, stirring continuously.
Fill a pastry bag with the prepared dough (it should flow from the spatula and shine), cover the baking sheet with parchment paper. Form into small flat cakes.
Place the baking sheet with macarons in the oven for 30 minutes, maintain the temperature at 150 degrees.
Cool the cakes, combine the 2 halves using warm lavender-strawberry cream.

"Air cookies"

Ingredients:

wheat flour – 25 g;
powdered sugar – 250 g;
almond flour – 100 g;
white from 3 eggs.

Cooking technology:

Mix powdered sugar with almond flour and egg whites. Beat the ingredients until smooth.
Sift the wheat flour and add to the sugar mixture. Knead the dough. Make sure it has a liquid consistency.
Cover a baking sheet with parchment.
Fill a pastry bag with dough and pipe out round cookies. Remember that it will expand in size as it cooks, so leave 3cm of space between them.
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees. Place the baking tray in the oven. Bake for 20 minutes. The appearance of a golden brown crust indicates that the cookies are ready.

"Ferrero candy"

Ingredients:

butter – 25 g;
hazelnuts – 100 g;
peeled almonds – 80 g;
condensed milk – 1 can;
coconut flakes – 200 g;
cocoa powder – 100 g.

Cooking recipe:

Melt the butter in a water bath, add condensed milk and cocoa powder, stirring constantly.
Grind the hazelnuts and add to the sweet mixture.
Cool the chocolate mass, form balls, place almonds inside, roll each outside in coconut flakes.