We can make pecans more nutrient dense, easier to digest, and increase the buttery flavor when we soak and dry them. Pecans are a very nutritious and easily digested snack, as long as they are properly prepared and sourced correctly. If we don’t take the proper steps to make them more digestible (which is very simple), they can be very hard on our digestive system. Pecans are a good source of omega 3 fatty acid, vitamin E, folic acid, potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. They are also a great source of magnesium and have been my favorite food source to correct my magnesium deficiency. Since we always use food to correct deficiencies, we try to eat a big handful of properly prepared nuts daily, along with taking Epsom salt baths.

If nuts are not properly prepared, our bodies will need to use up a lot of enzymes in order to neutralize their enzyme inhibitors. Most Americans are already deficient in enzymes because of the dead, processed food that we eat so often, so it’s important not to stress our digestive system even more by not properly preparing our nuts. Studies also suggest that soaking them will make the nutrients more available.

To soak nuts you simply place them in a bowl, (or I use a stock pot) cover the raw nuts with salt water, and let them sit at least 7 hours. After this time, the water is strained off and the nuts are dried in the oven or dehydrator. Not only do they become more nutrient dense and digestible, they also taste more delicious. You can find pecans soaked and dehydrated here.

It’s so important to source organic or naturally raised nuts, because non organic will be produced using chemical fertilizers which will definitely decrease the nutrients in the nuts, especially magnesium. If they aren’t sprayed with pesticides and fungicides while they are growing (which is unlikely), they are often sprayed with pesticides and fungicides after they are picked and shelled.

In order to get the most nutrients and in order to avoid the chemicals, it’s imperative to buy organic or naturally raised pecans. You can find raw, preservative free, beyon organic pecans here, or you will get a much better price if you go in with us when we order in bulk (about 2 to 3 times per year). Contact us for more details. It’s also important to use good salt that has not been refined. You can add these pecans to so many recipes. Some of our favorites are homemade ice cream, soaked oatmeal, trail mix, homemade cinnamon rolls, or we like to eat them plain with a little salt.

Do you have a favorite recipe that uses pecans? We love to hear from you!