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Yes, almonds and walnuts can be soaked together, and doing so is actually a smart and convenient way to prepare both nuts at once.
Both nuts benefit from soaking, and their soaking times overlap enough that you can toss them in the same bowl without any trouble.
If you’ve been wondering whether you can soak almonds and walnuts together, the short answer is a resounding yes.
In this post, we’ll look at why soaking almonds and walnuts together works, how to do it properly, and a few tips to get the best results.
Let’s dive in.
Why You Can Soak Almonds and Walnuts Together
You can soak almonds and walnuts together because both nuts respond well to the same basic soaking process.
Here’s why combining them makes perfect sense.
1. Both Nuts Have Similar Soaking Needs
Almonds and walnuts both have tough outer layers that soften when soaked in water.
Almonds typically need 8 to 12 hours of soaking, while walnuts need about 4 to 8 hours.
Since you can soak almonds and walnuts together for around 8 hours, both nuts get exactly what they need.
This overlap is the main reason soaking almonds and walnuts together works so well.
2. Soaking Reduces Phytic Acid in Both Nuts
Phytic acid is a natural compound found in nuts, seeds, and grains.
It can bind to minerals like iron, zinc, and calcium, making them harder for your body to absorb.
When you soak almonds and walnuts together, the soaking process helps break down some of that phytic acid.
This means your body can access more of the nutrients in both nuts.
3. It Saves Time and Effort
Let’s be honest, soaking nuts is already a bit of a waiting game.
If you can soak almonds and walnuts together in one bowl, you cut your prep time in half.
No need for two separate bowls, two separate rinses, or two separate timers.
One bowl, one soak, and you’re done.
4. Neither Nut Interferes With the Other
Some people worry that soaking almonds and walnuts together might cause one nut to affect the other.
That’s not the case.
Both nuts simply absorb water and release compounds into the same liquid.
There’s no chemical reaction that makes either nut less effective.
So when you soak almonds and walnuts together, each nut still gets the full benefit of the process.
How to Soak Almonds and Walnuts Together Properly
Now that you know you can soak almonds and walnuts together, here’s how to do it right.
1. Use the Right Ratio of Nuts to Water
Place your almonds and walnuts in a bowl and cover them with at least twice their volume in filtered water.
The nuts will expand as they soak, so give them plenty of room.
If you’re soaking almonds and walnuts together, a good rule is one cup of nuts to two to three cups of water.
2. Add a Pinch of Salt
A small pinch of sea salt in the soaking water can help activate enzymes and improve flavor.
This is optional, but many people find it makes a difference when they soak almonds and walnuts together.
3. Soak for 8 Hours at Room Temperature
Eight hours is the sweet spot when you soak almonds and walnuts together.
This gives the almonds enough time to soften while not over-soaking the walnuts.
If your kitchen is warm, pop the bowl in the fridge to prevent fermentation.
4. Rinse Thoroughly After Soaking
Once the soaking time is up, drain the water and rinse the nuts well under cool running water.
This removes any released tannins, enzyme inhibitors, and leftover debris.
Rinsing is especially important when you soak almonds and walnuts together because you want both nuts clean and ready to eat.
5. Dry or Use Immediately
After rinsing, you can eat the nuts right away, add them to smoothies, or dehydrate them for a crunchier texture.
If you plan to store them, dry them thoroughly to prevent mold.
Soaked almonds and walnuts will keep in the fridge for about three to five days.
Tips and Things to Watch Out For
Soaking almonds and walnuts together is simple, but a few small details can make or break the process.
1. Don’t Soak Longer Than 12 Hours
While 8 hours is ideal, going beyond 12 hours can lead to mushy nuts or even fermentation.
If you soak almonds and walnuts together for too long, the walnuts especially can become slimy.
2. Use Filtered Water
Tap water can contain chlorine and other chemicals that may interfere with the soaking process.
Filtered water is always the better choice when you soak almonds and walnuts together.
3. Keep Them Refrigerated in Hot Weather
If it’s summer or your kitchen runs warm, always soak almonds and walnuts together in the fridge.
This slows down bacterial growth and keeps both nuts fresh.
4. Watch for Any Off Smells
Freshly soaked nuts should smell neutral and nutty.
If you notice a sour or fermented smell after you soak almonds and walnuts together, toss them out.
Better safe than sorry.
So, Can Almonds and Walnuts Be Soaked Together?
Almonds and walnuts can absolutely be soaked together, and it’s one of the easiest kitchen shortcuts you can adopt.
Both nuts benefit from soaking, their soaking times overlap perfectly, and neither one interferes with the other.
Just use filtered water, soak for around 8 hours, rinse well, and store properly.
So the next time you’re prepping nuts for a recipe or a healthy snack, go ahead and soak almonds and walnuts together.
It saves time, reduces phytic acid, and gives you two nutritious nuts ready to enjoy in one simple step.