Bob

You are speculating as to whether it might be a good idea to soak tubers
overnight to presumably rid them of some of the anti-nutritive factors.
Herbalists call this a cold infusion (like a cup of tea made with cold
water, usually soaked overnight).  The aim is to extract water soluble
chemicals that may be heat-labile.  I would therefore suggest that it might
not be such a good idea, given that along with various vitamins and
carbohydrates, you are likely to extract a whole host of substances which
may not be so user friendly - e.g. tannins, mucilages, gums, some
glycosides, minimal but detectable alkaloids and essential oils.  It would
naturally depend on the chemical profile of the tuber.

In response to : Bob Avery " little mention has been made thus far on this
list about the practices of raw fooders such as myself of soaking overnight
and/or sprouting seeds, nuts, or even grains to neutralize the
anti-nutritive factors (chiefly digestive enzyme inhibitors, I understand)
contained in these foods.  . . . .  I admit I have not tried this method
with tubers, however, and wonder whether there might be something to gain
from doing it with them too.  Any comment?

Michael


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Michael Schubert
School of Natural and Complementary Medicine
Southern Cross University
P.O. Box 157, Lismore, N.S.W. 2480, Australia
Telephone (02) 6620 3649 or International + 61-2-6620 3649
Facsimile (02) 6620 3647 or International + 61-2-6620 3647
Visit us at <http://www.scu.edu.au/schools/ncm/index.html>
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