Making nut milk at home is a great way to customize your smoothies and discover new flavor combinations. Plus, homemade nut milk like almond milk and cashew milk is easy to make in a Vitamix blender and tastes better than store-bought varieties. In this article, I will guide you through the process of making nut milk in a Vitamix blender, from soaking the nuts to flavoring the milk.
The first step to making nut milk in a Vitamix is to soak the nuts. Soaking the nuts overnight or for several hours helps to soften them, making them easier to blend and resulting in a smoother, creamier milk. Once the nuts have soaked, you can move on to blending the nut milk.
To blend the nut milk, simply add the soaked nuts and water to the Vitamix container and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Once blended, you can strain the nut milk to remove any remaining pulp or solids. Finally, you can flavor the nut milk to your liking with sweeteners, spices, or extracts.
Key Takeaways
- Soaking the nuts overnight or for several hours helps to soften them, making them easier to blend and resulting in a smoother, creamier milk.
- To blend the nut milk, add the soaked nuts and water to the Vitamix container and blend on high speed until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Flavor the nut milk to your liking with sweeteners, spices, or extracts.
Soaking the Nuts
Before making nut milk in a Vitamix, it’s important to soak the nuts first. Soaking the nuts helps to soften them, making it easier to blend them into a smooth and creamy milk. It also helps to remove any phytic acid, which can make the milk easier to digest.
I typically soak my nuts overnight in a bowl of water, but you can also soak them for a few hours if you’re in a hurry. The amount of time you soak the nuts will depend on the type of nut you’re using.
For example, raw almonds should be soaked for at least 8 hours, while cashews only need to be soaked for 2-3 hours. Walnuts, on the other hand, only need to be soaked for 4-6 hours.
When soaking nuts, it’s important to rinse them well before using them. This helps to remove any dirt or debris that may be on the nuts.
Overall, soaking the nuts is an important step in making nut milk in a Vitamix. It helps to ensure that the milk is smooth and creamy, and it also makes it easier to digest.
Removing the skin of some nuts like almonds are very easy to do if you soak them even for a couple of hours. I don’t remove the skin of nuts when I am making nut milk. However, for some desserts or salads I sometimes remove the skin, it’s much easier to do when nuts are pre-soaked.
I like eating a hand full of soaked nut in the morning with my breakfast. I will pre-soak just a handful of nuts before bed. In the morning, I rinse them out, and am easily able to remove the skin before eating. I find raw nuts easy to digest, once they have been soaked and skin removed.
For more information on soaking nuts, check out this article.
Blending the Nut Milk
Now that the nuts have been soaked and drained, it’s time to blend them into nut milk using a high-speed blender, such as a Vitamix.
I prefer to use a Vitamix for making nut milk because it has a powerful motor and can blend the nuts into a smooth, creamy consistency.
To begin, add the soaked nuts and fresh water to the blender. The ratio of nuts to water will depend on how thick you want your nut milk to be. A general rule of thumb is to use 1 cup of nuts to 4 cups of water for a creamy consistency.
Next, blend the nuts and water on high speed for 1-2 minutes until the mixture is smooth and creamy. You can add additional flavorings, such as vanilla extract or dates, at this point if desired and blend again.
Once the nut milk is blended, strain it through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove any pulp or solids. This step is important for achieving a smooth, silky texture.
Finally, transfer the nut milk to a container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Blending nut milk in a Vitamix is a quick and easy process that yields delicious, homemade nut milk. Plus, making your own nut milk allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any additives or preservatives found in store-bought varieties.
For more information on making nut milk in a Vitamix, check out my video below and my recipe. You can also check out this recipe from Vitamix.
Straining the Nut Milk
Once the nut milk has been blended, it needs to be strained to remove any pulp or solids. There are a few different methods for straining nut milk, but I prefer to use a nut milk bag or a cheese cloth, like the one I’m using below.
A nut milk bag or cheese cloth is a fine-mesh bag or cloth made specifically for straining nut milk. It allows the liquid to pass through while holding back the pulp and solids. To strain the nut milk with a nut milk bag, I simply pour the mixture into the bag and squeeze the bag over a bowl to extract the liquid.
If you don’t have a nut milk bag, you can also use cheesecloth, like in the picture here or a fine-mesh sieve. Simply place the cheesecloth or sieve over a bowl, pour the nut milk through, and use a spoon to press the mixture against the cheesecloth or sieve to extract the liquid.
Another option is to use a filtration bag, which is a reusable bag made of a fine mesh material. It works similarly to a nut milk bag, but can be washed and reused multiple times.
No matter which method you choose, it’s important to strain the nut milk thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy texture. Once strained, the nut milk can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Overall, straining nut milk is a simple process that can be done with a few basic tools. Whether you use a nut milk bag, cheesecloth, fine-mesh sieve, or filtration bag, the end result is a delicious and nutritious non-dairy milk that can be used in a variety of recipes.
Don’t throw away the paste after you have extracted the nut milk. You can make nut butter or vegan nut cheese or a vegan nut dip. You need very few ingredients to make this. Here is my recipe and a video for you to follow along.
This is what I made with the paste after I extracted the milk
Flavoring the Nut Milk
When it comes to making nut milk in a Vitamix, the possibilities for flavoring are endless. Here are some ways to add a little bit of extra flavor to your homemade nut milk:
Vanilla Flavoring
Adding vanilla to your nut milk is a great way to give it a subtle sweetness and flavor. You can use either vanilla extract or a vanilla bean pod. If using a vanilla bean pod, simply scrape out the seeds and add them to the blender along with the other ingredients. If using vanilla extract, add a teaspoon or two to the blender before blending.
Sweeteners
If you prefer your nut milk on the sweeter side, there are several natural sweeteners you can add. Honey, maple syrup, and agave are all great options. You can also use medjool dates to sweeten your nut milk. Simply soak a few dates in water for a few hours, then add them to the blender along with the other ingredients.
Other Flavors
In addition to vanilla and sweeteners, there are many other flavors you can add to your nut milk. Cocoa powder, cinnamon, peanut butter, and matcha are all great options. Simply add the flavoring to the blender before blending.
Customizing Nut Milks
One of the great things about making your own nut milk is that you can customize it to your liking. If you prefer a creamier milk, use fewer nuts and more water. If you want a thicker milk, use more nuts and less water. You can also experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds, walnuts, or cashews.
Preservatives
If you want your nut milk to last longer, you can add preservatives such as carrageenan or gellan gum. However, it’s important to note that these additives have been linked to digestive issues in some people. If you prefer to avoid preservatives, simply store your nut milk in the refrigerator and use it within a few days.
Storing Nut Milk
Homemade nut milk should be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3-4 days. You can also freeze nut milk for later use. Simply pour the milk into ice cube trays and freeze. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe container and store in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Nutritional Benefits
Nut milk is a great alternative to dairy milk for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan or dairy-free diet. It’s also a good source of fiber, zinc, iron, manganese, and selenium, as well as antioxidants. However, it’s important to note that store-bought nut milk can be expensive, so making your own can be a cheaper alternative.
Most often, commercial brands have over 15 ingredients in them, even if it’s an organic brand that you’re buying. From different gums added to help thicken the milk and flavours such as natural favour to enhance taste. Look up what is in “natural flavour” to see what ingredients goes into making this so called “natural” ingredient. From synthetic solvents to preservatives, emulsifiers, and other additives qualifies as “natural” under current regulations both in Canada and the US.
When you make your own milk, you can put the ingredients you like in it and feel confident that you are getting what you want out of it.
Conclusion
Overall, making nut milk in a Vitamix is a simple and easy process that allows for endless flavor combinations. By experimenting with different nuts, sweeteners, and flavors, you can create a milk that is perfectly tailored to your taste preferences. Plus, making your own nut milk is a great way to save money and avoid additives found in store-bought varieties.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make almond milk in a Vitamix?
Making almond milk in a Vitamix is easy! First, soak 1 cup of raw almonds in water for at least 4 hours or overnight. Drain the water and rinse the almonds. Then, add the soaked almonds and 4 cups of water to your Vitamix and blend on high for 1-2 minutes until smooth. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove the pulp. Sweeten to taste with dates or maple syrup if desired.
What’s the best way to strain nut milk made in a Vitamix?
The best way to strain nut milk made in a Vitamix is to use a nut milk bag or cheesecloth. Pour the blended nut milk through the bag or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This will remove any pulp or solids from the milk, leaving a smooth and creamy texture. You can also use a fine-mesh strainer, but this may not remove all of the pulp.
Can I make coconut milk in a Vitamix?
Yes, you can make coconut milk in a Vitamix! Simply blend 1 cup of raw fresh mature coconut with 4 cups of hot water for 2-3 minutes until smooth. Strain the mixture through a nut milk bag or cheesecloth to remove any solids. You can also add sweetener or flavorings like vanilla extract or cinnamon.
What kind of nuts can I use to make nut milk in a Vitamix?
You can use a variety of nuts to make nut milk in a Vitamix, including almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and walnuts. Each nut will produce a slightly different flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite. You can also mix and match nuts for a unique blend.
Is it possible to froth milk using a Vitamix?
Yes, it is possible to froth milk using a Vitamix! Simply heat your milk on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling. Pour the milk into your Vitamix and blend on high for 30-60 seconds until frothy. Pour the frothed milk into your coffee or latte and enjoy!
Can I use my Vitamix to grind nuts for nut milk?
Yes, you can use your Vitamix to grind nuts for nut milk. Simply add the nuts to your Vitamix and pulse on low until the nuts are finely ground. Be careful not to over-process, as this can turn the nuts into nut butter instead of a fine powder. Once ground, you can proceed with making nut milk as usual.
For more information on making nut milk in a Vitamix, check out these resources: