Here's a list of soaking times, ratios, and rough estimates of cost (EOS) per pound for specific nuts and seeds:
Almonds
-- Soak 8-12 hours, ratio 1:4, EOS $9
Coconut, shredded
-- No soaking, ratio 2 1/4 (8 oz):4 (hot water), EOS $9
Cashews
-- Soak 2-4 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $10
Hazelnuts
-- Soak 4-8 hrs, ratio, EOS $15
Hemp Seeds
-- Soak 1 hr, ratio 1:4, EOS $9
Macadamias
-- Soak 2-4 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $19
Sesame Seeds (Hulled)
-- Soak 8 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $9
Sesame Seeds (Unhulled)
-- Soak 4-6 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $7
Sunflower Seeds
--Soak 6-8 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $3
Whole Flax Seeds
-- No soaking, ratio 1/2:4, EOS $3-10
Ground Flax Seeds
-- No soaking, ratio 3/4:4, EOS $9-10
Brazil Nuts
-- Soak 2-4 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $12
Pecans
-- Soak 8-12 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $13
Pine Nuts -- Soak 2-4 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $22
Walnuts -- Soak 8-12 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $10
Peanuts -- Soak 8-12 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $4
Pumpkin Seeds -- Soak 6 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $7
Pistachios -- Soak 5-6 hrs, ratio 1:4, EOS $20
All ratios are for whole nuts unless otherwise noted.
In order to estimate the cost per quart, check out this cup to pound conversion chart. It helps you estimate, for example, that 1 pound of whole almonds is about 3 1/2 cups.
Use raw, unsalted, unsweetened nuts. You can add salt, dates, cinnamon stick, and other flavorings to soak water.
It's best to use warm water for soaking.
You can add more water to nuts after blending or use more or less water next time you make your milk, depending on how thick/thin you like it.
Don't throw away pulp. Use it in smoothies, oatmeal, cookies . . .
You can also use nut/seed butters at a ratio of 1/2 cup butter to 3 1/2 cup water. No soaking or straining needed.
