Some recipes call for unsoaked nuts and seeds because a drier texture is preferred. Soaking raw nuts and seeds in water for several hours makes them easier to process in your blender or food processor, which is important when creating nondairy milks, sauces, salad dressings, and pâtés. Raw nuts and seeds should be soaked long enough to soften them, but not so long that they become soggy and lose their flavor. To soak nuts or seeds, place them in a mason jar. Fill with cool water, screw on the lid, and soak for the specified time at room temperature. If you want to soak sunflower seeds and walnuts longer than six hours, this isn't a problem. They will just be a little less crunchy. When you drain the nuts and seeds, always let them air-dry in the colander or strainer for at least 30 minutes
