Skinless almonds [Get most out of almonds]

skinless almonds

We discuss what skinless almonds or Blanched almonds are, how to blanch almonds, storing skinless almonds and which almond type is healthier.

Skinless almonds:

There is a good chance you have come across recipes using blanched almond flour if you eat a paleo or gluten-free diet. Almond flour is a grain-free alternative to white flour in many baked goods, blanched almond flour (which is made by grinding blanched almonds) is often used. So what are blanched almonds and why is it important whether or not we use almond flour made from blanched almonds? 

The taste, nutrition, and aesthetics of a dish will be affected by using regular almonds and almond flour that is blanched. 

Even with regular almonds you can make blanched almonds yourself quite easily.

What Are Blanched Almonds?

Skinless almonds are known as blanched almonds.

There's not much difference between blanched and unblanched almonds so they can be substituted for each other in the same amounts.

2 best ways how To Blanch Almonds :

2 ways to blanch almonds or get skinless almonds.

Soaked almonds overnight:

Soak almonds in water at room temperature overnight then easily peel the skin in the morning and enjoy skinless almonds as a snack or in your recipe requiring blanched almonds. 

Boiled water 5 minute process:

How to get blanched almonds in 5 minutes:

1. Get the water boiling in a small pot or saucepan.
2. Place the almonds you wish to blanch in the pot. 60 seconds in boiling water is sufficient.
   60 seconds is just right - no more, no less. If you wait too long, the almonds will become soggy and you'll have trouble removing the skins if it's shorter.
3. Almonds need to be quickly cooled down by rinsing them under cold water.
4. Remove the skin from each almond by pressing it. Simply squeeze them and they pop right out of their skin.
5. You're done! Your almonds have just been blanched in 5 minutes.

Notes for the Recipe:

You can use however many almonds you like as long as the amount of water covers all the almonds.

storing skinless almonds:

Storing Blanched Almonds:

In order to store blanched almonds effectively keep them in a dark, cool, and dry environment with a tight-fitting lid. In this way they will remain fresh for an entire month.

Alternatively, you can store them for up to three months in the refrigerator or for up to a year in the freezer.

Can I freeze blanched almonds:

When kept in a tightly sealed container in a cool, dry place, blanched almonds will last for about a month. You can also freeze them for up to one year or refrigerate them for up to three months. 

Please note: Pieces and slivers of almonds have a shorter shelf life than whole almonds.

Are Blanched Almonds Healthier:

There is no concrete answer to that as some research shows having almonds with skins is beneficial and others suggests the opposite:

Some say eat almonds with skin:

It is the brown layer of the almond's skin that is abundant in antioxidants and Vitamin E. As a result, blanched almonds those without skin are not the healthiest option.

While others say blanched almonds are better:

It is recommended to soak and peel almonds before eating. The skin of the nut contains tannins, which prevent the nutrients from being fully absorbed. It can also be hard to digest the skin. For this reason, most people prefer to remove the skin from almonds before eating.

Inshort: it depends how you prefer them and how to like the taste of this delicious nut, they are healthy and good for you either way.

Why use skinless almonds or blanched almonds:

Aesthetics is the first consideration as the look of the dish may be affected by brown almond skins. You may also not like the appearance of almond skin flecks in almond flour for example, if you'd like your dishes to have a uniform colour.

The second reason is taste as Almond skin contains tannin. Tannins are astringent chemicals which is why they feel dry which is why people remove the skins from almonds when used in food to make it less astringent and bitter which will also result in a better taste and mouthfeel.

How to blanch almonds in the microwave:

Take a microwave-safe bowl and fill it with water and soaked almonds, boil for 30 seconds, then dry and peel the almonds. Repeat the process 30 seconds to a minute more if the almond skin doesn't peel off easily.

How to Roast Almonds:

You can roast almonds easily in a microwave. Simply spread a single layer of almonds evenly over a microwave-proof plate.

Microwave for 1 minute at a time, until lightly golden and toasted. You will need to repeat the procedure for another minute till you get your required taste and look of roasted almonds.

Conclusion:

Skinless almonds/blanched almonds are very easy to get at the comfort of your own house.

You can have skinless almonds or almonds with skin as both have nutritional value. All you need to see is what suites your taste buds and other requirements (either in a recipe or convenience). 

Skin the almonds using easy home methods, eat them blanched, use them in a recipe or toast blanched almonds and get the most out of these healthy nuts.

Also read: Eating too many almonds.