How to Toast Spices, Nuts, and Seeds
Toasting whole spices, nuts, and seeds helps to release essential oils.
Toasting whole spices, nuts, and seeds helps to release essential oils, bringing out their full flavor and aroma. Spices need only be toasted until they become fragrant, usually 1 to 3 minutes, while nuts and seeds should be toasted until they begin to darken slightly in color, generally 3 to 5 minutes.