How to make your own plant-based milk

Are you lactose intolerant or trying to limit your intake of cow's milk? Well there are plenty of options now available in stores such as almond milk, coconut milk, hemp milk, soy milk, flax milk, etc. There are many great brands out there that sell delicious milks, but if you want to make sure there are no additives there is only one way to do it. Make your own!

While it may seem like a difficult task, it actually proves to be very simple. And it doesn't take very long at all. Making your own milk also gives you the option of controlling the taste; perhaps you enjoy it sweeter or maybe you want to add a certain flavour. Popular options to add into homemade milks include stevia, brown rice syrup, vanilla, etc.

Here is a quick and easy recipe for making your own almond milk (feel free to replace the almonds with any nut, seed, or grain of your choosing):

1) Soak 1 cup of raw almonds for 4-8 hours

2) Drain the water and place them in a blender with 4 cups of new water.

3) Blend at a high speed for 30 seconds or until very well blended.

4) Pour almond mixture into a very fine mesh strainer (or cheesecloth) and collect the draining liquid. Stir the mixture while draining (or squeeze the cheesecloth) to ensure you get as much liquid as possible.

5) Remove the pulp (leftover solids) from the strainer (or cheesecloth) and repeat step 4 with more of the almond mixture (this step will be repeated several times)
       *Tip - use the leftover pulp for baking recipes

6) Store the almond milk in a robust liquid container in the refrigerator. It will stay good for several days up to one week.

7) Shake before serving. Enjoy!



Image Source: Peta