While it is true that soaking certain dried fruits can make them easier to digest and enhance their nutritional benefits, it is not necessary for all types of dried fruits. For example, nuts like almonds and walnuts can be soaked to remove any bitterness and make them more digestible, but raisins and figs do not require soaking. It is important to note that soaking dried fruits can also cause them to lose some of their natural sweetness and flavor.
Additionally, while consuming soaked dried fruits on an empty stomach may have some health benefits, it is not necessary to do so in order to gain the nutritional benefits of the fruits. Dried fruits can be consumed at any time of the day as a healthy snack or added to meals for extra flavor and nutrition. It is also important to soak dried fruits in clean water and discard the soaking water to avoid consuming any impurities or contaminants that may be present.
Should all dry fruits be soaked in water?
Soaking them helps to get rid of the sulfite naturally present on their surface. Soaking also helps to release their natural sugars, which makes them a healthier snack choice. Therefore, it is essential to soak dry fruits and nuts, just the way we soak different grains, pulses and legumes. This happens due to the active enzymes present in the fruit and thus releasing nutrients, vitamins and taste when dry.
Soaking certain dried fruits in water can help to improve their texture and make them easier to digest. Some of the commonly soaked dry fruits are:
- Almonds: Soaking almonds overnight in water can help to remove their skin and make them easier to digest. They can also become plumper and juicier when soaked.
- Walnuts: Soaking walnuts can help to reduce the bitterness and make them softer.
- Raisins: Soaking raisins can make them softer and juicier, which can be useful when using them in baking.
- Figs: Soaking figs can help to make them softer and juicier, which can be useful when using them in baking or as a snack.
- Dates: Soaking dates can help to make them softer and easier to blend into smoothies or use as a natural sweetener in recipes.
Remember to discard the soaking water before consuming the dried fruits.
Which fruits should be soaked in water?
According to health experts, fruits like watermelon, mango and papaya are known to produce heat in the body and this excessive heat may affect the digestive system, resulting in diarrhoea and skin infections. Soaking fruits in water reduces the natural heat (taasir) and makes it safe for the body.
Should pista be soaked?
Yes, Pistachios can be soaked in water before eating. Soaking Pistachios makes it softer and increases its nutritive value. You need to soak Pistachios for approximately 5-6 hours. Yes, Pista can be soaked in water before eating to make it easy to digest.
Which dry fruits need to be soaked in water?
“While dry fruits like raisins, apricots and prunes, should be rinsed well and soaked in clean water so that the sulphites used to preserve them gets removed from their surface.”, adds Dr Zubeida Tumb.
What is the best way to eat dry fruits?
Ideally, the best time to eat dry fruits is early morning after soaking them in water overnight. While they make healthy alternatives to junk food, you should not consume dry fruits at night if given a choice.
Should nuts be soaked in water?
Benefits of soaking nuts
“Essential nutrients like iron, protein, calcium, and zinc are better absorbed by the body when you soak the nuts. The water removes the phytic acid present in acids which causes indigestion. So, soaking nuts helps in digesting them properly and reaping the benefits of these nutrients.
Can we eat raisins without soaking?
While consuming raisins in their raw form is a common practice, soaking them in water overnight and then eating them early morning on an empty stomach is considered to be very healthy. This has additional advantages apart from those that come along having them raw.