If you like a good healthy, dairy-free milk alternative, then you're probably a fan of nut milk. But did you know that you can make it yourself? It's simple to do and only requires a few ingredients. In this blog post, we will show you how to make almond milk, cashew milk, and coconut milk. We'll also give you tips on flavour variations and storage. So say goodbye to that store-bought stuff, and hello to fresh, homemade nut milk!
Step 1: Gather Equipment and Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to make your own nut milk:
A blender
A strainer or cheesecloth
Nuts (almonds, cashews, coconuts)
Water
Sweetener (optional)
Vanilla extract or other flavouring (optional)
Step 2: Soak the Nuts
This step is optional, but soaking the nuts helps to make them softer and easier to blend. Simply place the nuts in a bowl and cover with water. Let them soak for at least four hours, or overnight if you have the time.
Step 3: Drain and Rinse the Nuts
Once the nuts have finished soaking, drain them in a colander and give them a good rinse.
Step 4: Add Nuts and Water to the Blender
Place the nuts and water into the blender. For every cup of nuts, add three cups of water.
Step 5: Blend
Blend the mixture until it becomes a smooth, creamy liquid. This could take up to five minutes, depending on the power of your blender.
Step 6: Strain the Milk
Pour the milk into a strainer or cheesecloth-lined bowl. If you want a thinner milk, you can stop here. Otherwise, continue to the next step.
Step 7: Repeat
Pour the milk back into the blender and repeat steps five and six. This will help to remove any remaining bits of nut and make the milk even smoother.
Step 8: Add Sweetener and Flavouring (optional)
At this point, you can add a sweetener or flavouring, if desired. For example, you might want to add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup, or a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you're making coconut milk, you might also want to add a pinch of salt. Once you've added your flavouring of choice, simply blend until combined.
Step 9: Store the Milk
Pour the milk into a container and store in the fridge. It should last about four days. Be sure to give it a good shake before using, as the milk may separate.
Why Make Nut Milk at Home?
Yes, it's a little more work than picking it up at the grocery store, but it's so worth it! Homemade nut milk is not only delicious, but it's also much healthier than store-bought versions. When you make it yourself, you can control the ingredients, which means no added preservatives or fillers. Plus, it's more affordable than buying it pre-made, and who couldn't afford to save a few extra bucks these days?
Give it a Try!
Healthy, delicious, and affordable? Sounds like a win-win-win to us! So next time you're at the store, pick up some nuts and give it a go. We think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to make your own nut milk.
We love homemade nut milk at Press Market! Try our recipe in one of our healthy smoothies here.