Almond Nutritional Info & Almond Milk Recipe

Raw almonds are high in protein, containing about 12% of our needs. They contain no cholesterol and are rich in vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus. They also contain potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and trace amounts of B vitamins. Almonds have a higher calcium level than other nuts and are high in fiber, high in fat, but low in unsaturated fat. Most of the fat is monounsaturated and considered quite beneficial.
Almonds are best kept in a cool location or altogether refrigerated, and rancidity can set in if they are allowed to sit for long periods in warm environments. They are successfully used to make a wide variety of food products that are healthy and nutritious in vegan diets as well as those of non-vegans. They are used to thicken sauces, chopped to make pie dough topped on cakes and use to make almond brittle. Almond butter is a great product of raw almond processing which is also high in protein. Almonds are also use to make almond milk which is rich in calcium, vitamin E and can be used by vegans to replace protein absent from their diets due to the lack of meat consumption.
To make a half gallon almond milk, the required items are needed:
* 1 lb shelled raw almonds
* Blender or food processor
* Large Bowl
* Cheesecloth
* Coffee strain
* Adequate sized pitcher
* Pinch of salt
* Sweetener if desired
Use three cups water for every 1 cup of almonds. Soak overnight to swell and soften, place almonds in blender or food processor and blend. Pour in cheesecloth, drain and squeeze, pour liquid in coffee strain for second strain. Strain again to remove traces of almond pulp, pour in pitcher, add pinch of salt sweetened if desired and chill in refrigerator.