How To Blanch Almonds

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To blanch almonds means to peel or remove the outer brown skin by briefly immersing in hot water before peeling. This is a fast and easy method that can often come in handy, and the way I blanch my almonds. When you compare the price of store bought blanched almonds to un-blanched almonds, the price can be quite significant. That of course is an added bonus that will leave your wallet happy. I also feel that the taste when I blanch my own almonds is much better than buying ready blanched almonds. Would you agree?

If you try just to peel the almonds without first soaking in hot water, it will be very difficult to peel and the almond will be damaged from the scratching of the skin.

How to Blanch Almonds :
Ingredients:
skin-on (or un-blanched) almonds
pot
boiling water, enough just to cover the almonds
strainer

bowl of cold water
paper towels

1. Bring just enough water to cover the almonds to a rolling boil. Turn the heat off, then gently pour the almonds into the pot. Allow to sit for 1 minute, then quickly strain. (You don't want to cook and soften the almonds. They need to stay crisp.) Place the almonds in a bowl with very cold water, allow to sit 1 minute then drain. Place the almonds back in the bowl and cover with cold water again. **UPDATE** If the almonds you are blanching are a bit older, the skin may be harder to remove and require longer blanching in the hot water. This can cause the almonds to become soft so make sure you get purchase almonds.**

2. Pickup an almond and gently squeeze between your thumb and index finger, pushing the skin off the almond. It should come off very easily. Repeat until all almonds have been peeled. Now spread the almonds on paper towels and pat dry.

Once dried the almonds can be used in any of your favorite recipes or enjoyed as a snack if you prefer.

Do you have a better or different method for blanching almonds? Would you like to share it?

Previous Post Using Almonds:
~ Homemade Almond Milk (Raw)
~ Caramelized Pears on Goat Cheese Crostini
~ Blood Orange Zest Rolls