Gluten Free Raw Granola

1/4 cup raw oats
1/4 cup raw oat groats
1/4 cup raw buckwheat
1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup raw sunflower seeds
1  cup raw almonds 
1/4  hulled hemp seeds
1/4  milled flax seed
1/3  cup dried cranberries
1/3  cup raisins
4   Medijool dates pitted & diced
1/2 cup unsweetened coconut
2 tbsp of coconut oil
2 tbsp organic maple syrup
1-2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp sea salt

Note: I use all organic ingredients. All the seeds, nuts and grains are raw (meaning uncooked/roasted) purchased from the bulk section of a local health food store, except the hemp seeds and milled flax. I use Nutiva Organic Hulled Hemp Seeds for that and I also use their coconut oil. This variety of hemp does not have high amounts of THC, the seeds are a complete protein and extremely nutritious. Another good option are Chia seeds, (no not chia pet seeds lol!) You can use milled flax, whole flax seed or none if you like. Amazon.com is an excellent place to get these things if you can't find them locally and their prices are sometimes better than health food stores. On soaking, all seeds and nuts (and legumes) are in a dormant state when you purchase them dried. You will need to soak them over night to activate their germination. This actually increases their nutrient content and deactivates the seeds natural defenses, the nutritional inhibitors and other toxic substances. This makes them much easier to digest and easier for your body to absorb the nutrients. Basically unsoaked seeds, nuts, grains and legumes can actually block your body from absorbing certain nutrients, which makes no sense if you are eating them to be healthy! So this is a very important step. You can easily do this the night before you plan to make the granola. You should soak them a minimum of 8 hours.

Directions:
The night before, in a large bowl add all the nuts, seeds and grains, except the hemp and milled flax (hemp seeds are the exception to soaking) You can vary the types and measurements of your favorites and what is available! You pretty much can't mess this up! Anyhow fill the bowl with lukewarm filtered water until it covers about twice as much as the seeds. Let it sit at least 8 hours.

When ready to prepare the granola, drain and give the seeds a good rinse in a metal, fine mesh strainer to remove the enzyme inhibitors and toxins. They will be larger and tender especially the almonds. They are quite good like this. (I soaked some of my almonds separate, then I removed the skins which pop off easily, and chopped them) Put seeds back into the large bowl, add the hemp seeds, flax, dried fruit and coconut flakes, coconut oil and maple syrup. (coconut oil is solid at room temperature, like shortening, but melts in your hands) Sprinkle in the cinnamon and sea salt as you stir. Mix well! You can sample your granola and add more/less to taste of the cinnamon, salt, maple syrup, it tastes great just like this and would make an awesome raw oatmeal type breakfast with some almond milk and fresh fruit!

I filled two trays from my dehydrator,  so, cut 2 parchment paper pieces to fit the dehydrator trays. If you have the Paraflex sheets use those instead. Spread out your granola unevenly! I left some chunky pieces and smaller pieces. Dehydrate at 105 degrees for about 6 hours or so, it could take more or less depending on the humidity in your home. You can always "test" it while it's dehydrating! The texture should be light and crispy.

Now, you can bake this in the oven as well, but anything over 118 degrees will kill the live enzymes that you just activated which are highly beneficial to your health, but it will still be really tasty. Enjoy!