How to make almond milk. How to make homemade almond milk

In fact, almond milk  - It is a drink consisting of ground almonds and water. Well, that is at best, of course. In fact, you can find options, where 2% of almonds, the rest is water, some vitamins with minerals, and also sweeteners and all sorts of “agents”.

By itself, this product has existed for a long time - somewhere from the Middle Ages, when the nobility added almonds to ordinary cow's milk (“Food in Medieval Times”, Greenwood, 2004). However, today the popularity of this product has grown literally over the last 3-5 years, especially as an alternative to ordinary milk.

According to statistics provided by the Boston Globe, in 2014 milk from almonds overtook soy milk in popularity.

Dairy or not?

Today, there is no milk to be found, but it is so conceived. It is specifically designed for those who do not consume the lactose present in cow's milk. Also, there is no soy in it, which is good for those who, for one reason or another, do not eat soy.

Commercial option

Usually mixed almonds with water, filter. Can add sweeteners or salt, as well as vitamins, thickeners (for example, carrageenan, which is obtained from red seaweed - it is also used as a stabilizer).

How to make almond milk at home?

It's easy, and even cheaper, not to mention the fact that it is more useful.

Here is a recipe for almond milk:

• Soak in water 1 cup of peeled almonds for 1-2 days.
• Drain water.
• Wash the almonds.
• Mix it in a blender at high speed with 2 cups of fresh, clear water.
• Strain with gauze.
• Add some vanilla (or vanilla), sweetener or cinnamon. Everything!

This is how almond milk is made at home.

How long is almond milk stored?

Both commercial and home stored for long. Milk from the store has a shelf life on the packaging, so everything is simple (usually you need to drink it within a week after the purchase or opening). Homemade almond milk is better to drink for 2 days.

Almond Milk: Benefits Compared to Almond Nuts

It's clear that, in general, the beneficial properties should be similar to nuts, for example, it contains vitamin E and vitamin B2 (riboflavin), but the amount of nutrients varies, and, of course, their milk far lessthan in the nuts themselves.

for example, 30 grams of almonds (about 23 nuts) contains 6 grams of protein and 4 g of fiber, as well as vitamin E (35% of the daily requirement (CH)), magnesium (20% CH), riboflavin (20% CH), calcium (8% CH) and potassium (6% CH).

Now about the almond milk:  It is not known exactly how many nuts are used to make 1 liter, since quantity may vary by different manufacturers. But it is certain that a little: the average package contains about 2% of nuts from the total volume. The rest is water, and various additives. According to publications in the Business Insider magazine and the Los Angeles Times, most commercial options follow a similar recipe, where almonds are listed as the second or third ingredient after water and sweetener.

Based on this, it becomes quite obvious that eating nuts is much more beneficial than drinking almond milk. According to the US Department of Agriculture, 1 cup of such milk (240 ml or 230 g) contains only 1 g of protein and 1 g of fiber, while a portion of nuts in 30 g contains 6 g of protein and 4 g. fiber. In this milk, 17 g of magnesium, and in a portion of nuts, 77 g, etc. In general, the difference is obvious.

Of course, manufacturers add vitamins and minerals to it, but supplements with a natural product cannot be compared in terms of their digestibility. Although, in the factory versions there may be vitamins A and D, which are absent in ordinary almonds.

In itself, this milk, especially homemade, is very good, if you need to use it as an alternative to cow (if you are a vegan, for example).

Milk: Almond VS. cow

In an almond 1 g of protein per cup, in a cow - 8 g. If there are calcium supplements, then the parameters are similar. Also in the enriched version, when adding vitamins A, D, E and B12, their number may be greater than in cow's milk. On the other hand, cow's milk contains twice as much phosphorus and potassium, and almond milk - slightly more sodium.

In almond milk there is no "harmful fat", which is in the usual cow (if it is not fat free). Also almond has fewer calories, although it will depend on the brand.

Other beneficial properties of almond milk

It does not contain lactose, so it is suitable for the replacement of cow, and is a good alternative for those with lactose intolerance. True, here it is worth considering an important point: this is not a complete alternative, since cow's milk has more nutritional value, for example, there is more protein and calcium.

There is no cholesterol in almond milk, but there are monounsaturated fats, which makes it more beneficial for the heart than cow's, in which there is saturated fat. A study published in 1999 in the journal Current Atherosclerosis Reports states that switching from saturated fat to nuts (i.e. monounsaturated fats) reduced the risk of heart disease by 45%.

Few calories

Almond milk  - This is a popular product for those who watch their weight. In a glass there can be only 30-60 calories. A 2003 study published in the International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders (International Journal of Obesity and Related Metabolic Disorders) states that combining almonds with a low-calorie diet rich in monounsaturated fats in the diet gives a greater weight loss effect than low-calorie diet with a large number of complex carbohydrates.

Vitamin B12

A certain amount of riboflavin gets from nuts to milk. This vitamin promotes the production of red blood cells, as well as the release of energy from carbohydrates.

Cancer prevention

A report published in 2011 in the journal Nutrition and Cancer states that almond milk can help suppress cancer cells in the prostate by 30%. However, it has no effect on breast cancer.

Who should not drink almond milk?

Babies

In 2014, the French journal Archives of Pediatrics published a study stating that infants who were fed vegetable milk from 4 to 14 months showed signs of protein-caloric deficiency, edema, hypoalbuminemia (low albumin in the blood - important protein), anemia caused by iron deficiency, slower growth of the body, lack of vitamin D, and some other health problems.

People suffering from nuts allergies

Although almond milk has few nuts, nevertheless, if you are allergic to them, you may suffer (up to and including anaphylaxis).

Other possible side effects of almond milk

Some brands contain carrageenan - a thickener, often used in ice cream. Sometimes it can cause inflammation, in particular, inflammatory bowel disease and a colorectal malignant tumor. Check the labels with the composition, if you are worried about this additive.

Once again, you can repeat: Almond milk may be suitable as an alternative to cow milk, if you have lactose intolerance or you are vegan, however, remember that it cannot be a full-fledged substitute for cow milk, because contains much less nutrients.

Almond Milk is a drink of plant origin. It is made from almond kernels with water. Due to the fact that this type of milk is stored longer, in the Middle Ages they were replaced with cow's milk. In Russia, this drink was called orshad. He drank and during posts.

The uniqueness of almond milk is that it does not contain lactose and cholesterol. This milk is drunk by both vegetarians and people who cannot tolerate ordinary animal milk. Almond milk is very tasty with a delicate nutty flavor. Rich in vitamins and all other useful elements contained in almond nuts.

Calorie content

The calorie content of almond milk depends on what recipe it was made. That is, the more products were involved in the process, the higher the calorie content. Calorie almond milk cooked by itself simple recipe, more precisely, from water and almonds, does not exceed 100 kcal.

The caloric value of 100 grams of almond milk with almonds, water, vanilla and honey is approximately 135.3 kcal. It contains:

• 3.6 gr. squirrel.
• 11.1 gr. fat
• 5.6 grams carbohydrates.

Chemical composition

Contains:

• calcium;
• magnesium;
• phosphorus;
• vitamin E;
• vitamin D;
• manganese;
• zinc;
• copper.

Beneficial features

• In almond milk there is no cholesterol.
• There is no lactose intolerable by many people.
• As a rich source of calcium greatly strengthens bones and teeth, improves the condition of hair and nails.
• It has a beneficial effect on the heart and blood vessels.
• The contained omega fatty acids help to normalize blood pressure. In addition, the likelihood of heart disease is reduced.
• Vitamin D in almond milk prevents the development of osteoporosis in adults and rickets in children.
• B vitamins, which are contained in almond milk, stimulate muscle growth, as well as improve the functioning of the nervous system.
• Vitamin A improves eyesight and vision.
• It is a mild laxative.
• It helps with pneumonia, throat diseases, convulsions and migraines.

More about beneficial properties  almond milk you can from the following video show "Live healthy."

Harm and contraindications

Homemade almond milk, if properly stored, is harmless and is contraindicated only to persons with individual intolerance.

Almond milk purchased may contain carrageenan. It is a dietary supplement that can provoke inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract, deterioration in gastric ulcers and ischemic diseases, as well as the occurrence of cancer.

In addition, almond milk cannot replace breast milk in infants. Moreover, there is a risk of allergies. For this reason, babies almond milk is better not to give.

• Almond milk, made from purified almonds, looks like cow's fresh milk.
• Due to the fact that it is made from nuts, that is, it has a vegetable origin, it can also be drunk during fasting. Because of this, vegetarians like it very much.
• For a long time can keep freshness outside the refrigerator. Due to this quality, this drink was popular in the Middle Ages.
• Regular consumption of this vegetable milk contributes to weight loss.

How to choose and where to buy

Almond milk is easy to prepare, so it’s best to make it yourself at home. However, if you wish, you can buy a ready-made almond drink. You can buy it in some stores and supermarkets, as well as in online stores.

When buying almond milk, pay attention to the shelf life, condition and integrity of the package. Almond milk of industrial production is stored, as a rule, from several days to several months.

Application

In cooking

Almond milk has a pleasant smell and taste, moreover, as well as almond nuts are a source of many vitamins. Because of this, it is widely used in cooking. Almond milk can be drunk and added to the preparation of many desserts and dishes.

   Almond milk is added to coffee drinks

   Almond milk cereals are not only tasty, but also rich in a variety of nutrients.

   Almond milk is made delicious creams  for pastry

Recipes

Blanmange - the oldest cold dessert

There are many options for making this dessert. We will consider one of the most delicious. For this you will need:

• almond milk - 0.5 liters;
• sugar - 200 grams;
• gelatin - one bag.

Milk mixed with sugar powder. Boil. Introduce soaked gelatin. Stir, cool, pour in the form, and then put on the shelf of the refrigerator.

Vegan pancakes

It is necessary:

• 0.5 cups wholegrain flour;
• 1 cup almond milk;
• 2 tablespoons flaxseed flour;
• 1 tablespoon of cane sugar;
• 0.5 teaspoon soda;
• a pinch of salt.

Stir almond milk with flax flour. Add salt, soda and sugar. Beat with a mixer for several minutes. Leave until the flax flour swells. Then gradually pour the whole grain flour. If necessary, you can add water (if you get too thick dough). Heat a griddle with a small amount of oil and start baking pancakes.

"Almond Pleasure" - delicious almond jelly

Soak a handful of sweet almond nuts in cold water. After five hours, drain the water, add 1 tbsp. coconut shavings and 3 tbsp. powdered sugar.

Beat with a mixer or inside a blender with 300 ml of water.

Stir 100 ml of ten percent cream with one tablespoon of gelatin. After 35-40 minutes, that is, when the gelatin swells, warm it, but avoid boiling. Filter the contents of the blender.

The cake from the contents is very tasty. With it you can bake cookies, the recipe of which is given below, or just to eat.

Stir the milk with gelatin, distribute in the molds and put in the refrigerator. After a few hours, the almond flavor jelly with almond flavor will be ready.

• 300 grams of almond oil cake.
• 1 chicken egg.
• a little sugar.

To mix everything. Spread the baking sheet with butter. In the form of cakes, spread out the dough with a spoon. Put in preheated to 170 degrees oven. Oven about 15 minutes. Instead of eggs, you can add 1 banana. In this case, the oven needs 25 minutes.

In medicine

In cosmetology

Like almonds, almond milk can be used in cosmetology. It has:

• softening;
• moisturizing;
• whitening and cleansing properties. Almond milk wash, wipe and make various masks.

With it you can remove makeup from the face. To do this, apply almond milk on the face, neck and décolleté area with cotton pads. Leave it for a few minutes, and then wipe the rest of the makeup with a napkin. This procedure of removing makeup does not harm your skin, moreover, under the influence of almond milk, the skin will become more elastic and elastic.

How to cook at home

There is a huge variety of simple and intricate recipes for making almond milk. In all recipes, the main and indispensable ingredients are almonds and water. Consider a few ways to make almond milk at home.

Watch the following video of making almond milk from unrefined almonds using a blender.

Method number 1

Take 50 grams of almond kernels and grind them in a mortar. Pour 100 ml of water and put in a boiling water bath. Boil for 5 minutes and then strain. This amount for the above diseases you need to drink 3 times a day for half an hour before meals.

Method number 2

Soak a certain amount of sweet almond in water for several hours (you can soak at night and start cooking in the morning). After the almonds are soft, chop it together with water in a blender. For one glass of almond you need to take 3 glasses of water. Filter the mixture with gauze. The liquid that remains after filtration is almond milk.

Such milk can be simply drunk or added to dishes. In this case, the milk can be flavored with cocoa or vanilla, sweetened with sugar, honey or spices to taste.

The remaining cake can be diluted with water and grinding, to make more milk. Or make delicious marzipan candy.

Almond milk should be stored in the refrigerator for no more than three days.

Almond milk has a neutral taste. It can be added to tea, coffee, cook porridge on it, prepare smoothies, desserts, boil with spices (turmeric, cinnamon, cardamom, allspice, cloves, nutmeg, ginger) or add honey, vanilla or cocoa. This is a good alternative to cow's milk during Lent or with lactose intolerance; vegetarians and vegans can drink it.

Almond Milk: Benefits

Almonds are one of the most useful nuts, because they contain essential fatty acids, valuable vitamins (especially groups B and E) and minerals (in particular calcium, potassium, phosphorus, copper and iron). Almonds are rich in vitamin E - a powerful antioxidant. In terms of food quality, this nut is more nutritious than meat, milk, fish, many fruits and vegetables due to fats, proteins and carbohydrates.

Almonds are considered to be an excellent alternative to animal protein sources. It does not contain lactose and cholesterol.

Almond milk with honey is helpful when catarrhal diseases, asthma, insomnia, male impotence, anemia, useful for vision, mental fatigue, headache.

Bitter almond helps cleanse the internal organs of "slags", crushes stones, normalizes the secretion of gastric juice (useful for ulcers).

Almond milk has a mild laxative effect, increases appetite, can be used as a sedative, eliminates flatulence.

It is a good tonic; it keeps the mind active and strengthens the memory.

Almond milk: calories per 100 grams - 110 kcal.

What to do with almond pulp?

The remaining pulp from the almond nuts can be used for culinary and cosmetic purposes.

For example, for the preparation of marzipan sweets or lean oatmeal cookies, add to smoothies, desserts. Or drink almond milk with pulp.

From the pulp, you can make moisturizing masks for the face, neck and hands. In a bowl, mix almond pulp with honey or sour cream and apply on skin for 10-15 minutes. Then wash off with water, and it is better to simply wipe the skin with a damp towel or cloth.

Almond Milk Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup raw (not roasted) almond nuts

3 glasses of water

Cooking:

Soak the almonds in water overnight or at least 4 hours.

Water to drain. If desired, the nuts can be peeled, after pouring boiling water over. But you can not do this, then the milk will be beige.

Nuts pour 3 cups of water and mix in a blender until smooth.

Strain the milk through a sieve or cheesecloth, pour into a glass jar and store in the refrigerator for no more than 5 days.

Almond milk, the recipe of which is quite simple, is a very popular drink in Spain. If you use it regularly, it will help you stay beautiful and young for a long time. First, a little bit of information about the beneficial properties and possible contraindications of the drink.

A gentle, lightly creamy taste, a drink made from delicious and nutritious nuts will be an excellent alternative to cow's milk. But is it possible to use it in cooking as we use our usual product - cow's milk? The answer is unequivocal - of course, yes! It can be used in the preparation of cereals, desserts, pastries, as well as added to coffee or tea.

What are the properties of this drink? Although the product contains slightly less protein and calcium than animal milk, it has many valuable properties for the body. So, the benefits of almond milk:

• due to the absence in its composition of lactose (unlike cow's milk), it can be used by people suffering from intolerance to this substance;
• in contrast to milk of animal origin, the drink can be drunk during the fasting period, as well as vegans and vegetarians;
• has a low calorie content compared to animal products (there is about 60 calories in one cup of a vegetable drink, whereas the same portion of cow's milk, even with zero fat, has an energy value of 86 calories), therefore it is excellent for people trying to beat excess weight ;
• does not contain cholesterol, which perfectly affects the state of the vessels and the heart;
• rich in calcium, as well as vitamin D drink helps strengthen bones and teeth;
• one portion of the product contains about half the daily requirement of vitamin E that our body needs, which has a positive effect on the skin;
• almond milk contains almost no carbohydrates, which allows diabetics to use it;
• due to the protein content, as well as iron and riboflavin, the product has a beneficial effect on the growth and condition of muscle tissue;
• almond vitamin A improves eyesight;
• the fiber contained in it contributes to the improvement of the digestive system;
• the drink has excellent tonic properties, a positive effect on mental activity.

Possible harm to the drink

Almond milk, prepared at home according to the recipe from natural ingredients, is practically not capable of bringing any harm to the human body. The only exception may be people with individual intolerance to this product.

In addition, the product is contraindicated in infants, as it cannot completely replace breast milk or an animal-based drink. In addition, some babies may experience an allergic reaction to almonds.

Almond milk cooking recipe

Almond milk tastes very much like a milkshake, although it does not contain a single gram of milk. How to make almond milk at home?

You will need 2 servings:

• Almonds (not fried) - 50 g;
• Water - 200 ml;
• Honey - 1 tsp.

Preparation step by step

Pour raw almonds in a bowl and cover with fairly hot water, the temperature is about 70 degrees.

This is necessary so that it is quite easy to peel the almonds. Let the nuts stand for 10 minutes.

Then peel the almonds (if not removed, the drink will have a slightly bitter aftertaste and a beautiful beige color), place the blender in a bowl or a deep glass.

Fill the peeled almonds with a glass of cold bottled or filtered water.

Beat the whole blender for 5 minutes.

Strain the resulting product using a piece of gauze or a fine sieve.

Add honey or sugar to the drink, mix, pour into cups.

That's it, the drink is ready to drink. Keep it in the refrigerator, but not more than 5 days. Enjoy the wonderful taste and benefit of nut milk!

Video recipe for almond milk for you:

How can almond cake be used?

After filtering the beverage prepared according to the above recipe, you will have the flesh of the nuts. Do not rush to throw it away, because it can be used both for culinary and cosmetic purposes.

In cooking, it can be used in the preparation of desserts, smoothie, baking cookies and other flour products.

Also, almond cake will perfectly cope with moisturizing and smoothing of wrinkles on the skin. For this you need to add natural honey  or sour cream, and apply the mixture to the face. After 15 minutes, such a mask should be washed off using warm water.

Almond milk drunk in the morning, the recipe of which at home you already know, will charge you with vigor and good mood for the whole day. In addition, the ingredients of this cocktail care for the skin from the inside, which will perfectly affect your appearance.