Do you know what we mean when we say Awakened? Well, imagine our nuts sleeping happily and quietly. They are sleeping under a blanket of enzyme inhibitors, keeping them from germinating before their time. The cozy blankets are called phytates. In nature, the phytates protect the nuts by making them less attractive as food until it is the season to wake up. They are difficult for our bodies to digest and they limit our body's ability to absorb the nutrients in the nuts (seeds & grains). Waking the nuts refers to getting them out of this blanket and beginning to germinate (aka sprouting). The process begins to break down the complex carbohydrates into simple, easier to digest compounds and enhances the nuts in many ways.
- increases enzyme activity
- eases digestion
- increases nutrient absorption
- lessens fat and increases healthy proteins
- makes for a sweeter flavor
At Hummingbird, we awaken Almonds, Oregon-grown Hazelnuts, Pumpkin Seeds, Sunflower Seeds, Flax Seeds, Chia Seeds, Buckwheat Groats, and Millett by soaking them overnight in water with a little salt. We then drain the water and dry the nuts (or seeds & grains) using a dehydrator. This produces nuts, seeds, granola and trail mixes that taste a little sweeter, have a fresh, crunchier texture and are better for your body. We just love our Awakened® Nuts and Seeds and think you will too.!