Unless you buy your almonds directly from the farmer who grows them, chances are your almonds are not raw, in fact, they have been pasteurized. This means:
- If the almonds are not organic certified they have been pasteurized by Propylene oxide (PPO) fumigation (most common) or infrared radiation (IR) heating.
- If the almonds are organic certified then they have been steam pasteurized which introduces steam heat and normally results in an almond with greater moisture content which will reduce its longevity under typical storage conditions. Also this heat can reduce the viability of the nut and reduce its health characteristics (live enzymes).
However, you can purchase truly raw, unpasteurized) almonds but ONLY IF YOU BUY DIRECTLY FROM THE FARMER! You can do this by attending a farmers market, farmer’s roadside stand or their virtual roadside stand (website). Just make sure you are dealing with the person who grows the almonds! The actual farm. Be careful! Check out this blog to help you choose truly raw almonds: https://www.chorganicalmonds.com/post/the-ultimate-guide-to-buying-organic-unpasteurized-raw-almonds-part-4
Background:
In 2007, after guidance from the California Almond Board, the USDA passed law 7 CFR Ch. IX PART 981—ALMONDS GROWN IN CALIFORNIA. This law set forth a requirement for all handlers to pasteurize almonds. It provided an exemption Part 981.13 which exempts a “grower who sells only almonds of his own production at retail at a roadside stand operated by him.” It also provided Part 981.413 restricted such unpasteurized “sales for home use and not for resale” Furthermore it included farmers market under the scope of a roadside stand.
But here’s the real crime; the law said nothing about labeling, so you can go to a retail store and buy a bag of almonds. The almonds may use the use the term “raw”, even when they have been pasteurized and they don’t have to tell you how they have been pasteurized! It gets better, the law only affects California Almonds! That’s right, foreign almonds are not affected by the pasteurization requirements at retail stores, crazy! I believe this is a crime to direct this requirement at California growers. There has been volumes of poor laws about food safety, but sadly nothing about food truth/labeling!
At Capay Hills Orchard our website tells you how our almonds are grown in detail. https://www.chorganicalmonds.com/about-us
Purchase unpasteurized raw almonds and raw almond butter direct from the California farmer at Capay Hills Orchard. You can order through the website, www.chorganicalmonds.com or by calling or texting 530-507-8222 to speak directly with the farmer, Brian Paddock. Alternatively, email capayhillsorchard@gmail.com. Please share this post with your friends.
Almonds may not be cheap, but they are cheaper than the doctor or hospital. Eat well, live well, and support your organic famer.
Brian Paddock, Owner/Grower/Dad/Grandfather Esparto, CA
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