Raw Unpasteurized Almondsby Nikki Goodson | More from this Blogger 02 Feb 2008 12:31 PM
Pasteurization is a process used to destroy things like viruses and bacteria on food. The Wikipedia article on almonds tells us: "Because of cases of Salmonella traced to almonds in 2001 and 2004, in 2006 the California Almond Board proposed and the USDA approved rules regarding the nature of almonds available to the public. From 1 September 2007, raw almonds will technically no longer be available in the United States. Controversially, almonds labeled as "raw" will required to be steam pasteurized or chemically treated with propylene oxide." From what I understand, if you're buying organic almonds at the grocery store, they are not allowed to be chemically treated with propylene oxide (or else they wouldn't be organic!), but they WILL be steam pasteurized, making them not truly raw. Yet, the labeling does not have to clarify this. I did ask for some clarification at my local Whole Foods Market to be sure. After looking it up, the head of the bulk bins department told me that yes, their organic almonds are from California and are thus steam pasteurized. I asked if they planned to carry truly raw almonds in the future. He said it was a possibility, and I assured him that at least one customer would be very happy if they would do so! In the meantime, however, you might be looking for truly raw almonds. There are still several sources for them. First off, if you know an almond farmer personally, you are able to buy some directly from them that are unpasteurized. I did know an almond farmer when I was doing missionary work in California. In fact, I lived in a cottage right in the middle of his almond orchard! Unfortunately, I can't remember his name and contact information. There are several sources online for unpasteurized almonds as well. I think doing a google search for it will provide you with several options. The one that I have chosen for the time-being is Living Nutz. At the top of their website, you see a banner that says "unpasteurized, raw organic almonds available in bulk or wholesale", with a phone number to call. An acquaintance of mine did call and set up a bulk buy for a local group of us. You can purchase 25-pound boxes for $262.60/box including shipping. That works out to $10.50/pound. Yes, $10.50 per pound is more than I was paying before (I usually bought them when they were on B1G1 sale at Dillons, making them $4.99 per pound!) But those were conventional almonds, not organic. And if I were to keep buying them that way, they would be pasteurized, not raw. If you're a true deal-shopper like myself, then you know that buying in bulk quantities and stockpiling is usually the way to go. So 25 pounds of almonds shouldn't be too much for you! If it is, find your raw almond-loving friends and share! Learn more about Nikki Goodson  Nikki Goodson started hard-core couponing in August of 2004. She is a member of several deals sites and has previously been a Deals moderator for Deals.Families.com. Relevantdealsblog tags User Comments selmadan (5) 06 Aug 2008 11:52 AMWell this site has information on buying unpasteurized California Almonds www.California-Almonds.com  Nikki Goodson (15905) 06 Aug 2008 12:25 PMThanks Dan! Looks like that is YOUR website, correct? That's excellent info for anybody in the Selma area. If I'm understanding correctly, then you are unable to ship unpasteurized almonds to anybody? Are your almonds organically grown as well? (By the way, I've been to Selma! I was a missionary for my church near that area, and was able to visit Selma for a short time. :D I think the nearest I lived to there was in Caruthers.) tbdafoe (5) 06 Sep 2009 01:01 PMHi Nikki, I'm an almond farmer from northern California. My wife and I are still selling raw, unpasteurized almonds at farmers' markets and at our website. I know they're hard to find, but we still have them! Tom www.homegrownalmonds.com Community Tags almonds, deals, nuts, pasteurized, raw Discuss this article
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Huh? Unpasteurized, you ask? Isn't pasteurization what they do to milk? Well, yes, it is. And as of Sept 2007, it's also what they do to all almonds grown in California.
