Prep the Almonds
The journey to fresh almond milk begins with the almonds themselves. Select high-quality, raw almonds. The first step involves soaking these almonds. Place
a cup of raw almonds in a bowl and cover them with plenty of cold water. Make sure there is enough water to completely submerge the almonds. Allow the almonds to soak for a period of 8-12 hours, or ideally, overnight. Soaking softens the almonds, making them easier to blend and promoting a creamier texture in the final product. Soaking is an essential first step. It not only enhances the texture but also activates enzymes and makes the nutrients more accessible. So, don't skip this critical stage, and you're well on your way to success.
Rinse and Drain
After the almonds have soaked for the appropriate time, the next step involves rinsing and draining them. Begin by draining the soaking water, which will likely appear cloudy. This cloudiness is a result of the release of phytic acid, which can hinder the absorption of some nutrients. Discard the water, and thoroughly rinse the soaked almonds under fresh, cold water. Use a colander or sieve to effectively drain the water from the almonds. This rinsing process removes any lingering residue and prepares the almonds for the blending stage. Proper rinsing contributes to a cleaner taste, ensuring the almond milk tastes as fresh and pure as possible. This step sets the stage for optimal flavour.
Blend with Water
Now comes the blending. Take your rinsed almonds and place them in a high-speed blender. Add four cups of fresh, filtered water. Using a high-speed blender is important for achieving a smooth, creamy texture. Blend the almonds and water on high speed for about one to two minutes, or until the mixture becomes very well blended and appears milky white. If your blender isn’t powerful, you might need to blend for a slightly longer duration. The goal is to break down the almonds completely so there are no large pieces remaining, ensuring that the final almond milk has a pleasant texture. Ensure you cover the blender to avoid any splashing.
Strain the Mixture
Straining is a crucial step to remove any solids that remain after blending, resulting in a smooth, drinkable almond milk. Place a nut milk bag or several layers of cheesecloth over a bowl. Pour the blended almond and water mixture into the nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Gently squeeze the bag or cheesecloth to extract as much liquid as possible, leaving behind the almond pulp. This process separates the creamy milk from the solids, contributing to the final texture and appearance. Continue squeezing until you have extracted all the milk possible. The almond pulp can be saved and used in various recipes, such as adding it to baked goods or using it in smoothies, as a way to minimize food waste.
Sweeten (Optional)
If you prefer a sweeter almond milk, this is the time to add your sweetener of choice. There is no need to add any sweetener if you like your milk unsweetened. Pour the strained almond milk back into your blender. Add your preferred sweetener – common choices include dates, maple syrup, honey, or a pinch of stevia. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste. Blend briefly to incorporate the sweetener into the almond milk, blending just until it is mixed through. Taste the almond milk and add more sweetener as needed to reach your desired level of sweetness. Remember that you can always add more sweetener, so start with less and adjust.
Add Flavorings (Optional)
This step is where you can get creative and customize your almond milk with various flavorings. Common additions include vanilla extract, a pinch of sea salt, or even a dash of cinnamon. Add the flavoring to the almond milk after the straining step, along with the sweetener, if using. Blend for a few seconds to fully incorporate the flavorings into the milk. Experiment with different flavor combinations to find your favorites. Vanilla is a classic and versatile choice. Cinnamon adds warmth, while a pinch of sea salt can enhance the other flavors. The possibilities are endless; this stage allows you to personalize your almond milk.
Storage and Enjoy!
Once you have successfully prepared your homemade almond milk, it is time to store and enjoy it. Pour the finished almond milk into an airtight container, such as a glass bottle or jar. Store the almond milk in the refrigerator, where it will keep for up to three to five days. Note that it will naturally separate over time. This is normal. Before each use, shake the container well to remix the almond milk. Enjoy your homemade almond milk on its own, in smoothies, with cereal, or in any recipe that calls for dairy or plant-based milk. Experiment and enjoy the freshness and versatility of your homemade almond milk!
