(OrganicJar) I’m still surprised at the number of people who buy raw almonds thinking that they’re raw. The truth is they’re not. In the fall of 2007 a bill was passed requiring all raw almonds in North America to undergo a mandatory pasteurization making it illegal to purchase raw almonds.
Last week a federal judge rejected challenges to the law, which was introduced in response to two isolated outbreaks of salmonella, in conjunction with conventional almond farms, one in Canada in 2001, and a second in Oregon in 2004. While contamination in almonds is not common, the industry determined that aggressive measures were necessary to prevent any other occurrences.
Raw almonds, the heartbeat of all nuts, literally, have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease, a rich source of calcium, magnesium, vitamin E, protein, fiber and antioxidants to name a few. Now, these once amazing and life enhancing health benefits have become devastatingly reduced if not completely eliminated in the pasteurization process.
Luckily, there are a few loop holes that still allow you to purchase raw almonds. You can purchase them online, and at farmers markets. Just make sure to buy from a reputable source.
My Thoughts:
Laws like this are a blatant attack on our food freedom. I remember emailing Nancy Pelosi back in 2007, only to get an email response cloaked in “we must do this for the health of the nation”. My only response was to ask, how many people die every day from prescription medication that the pharmaceutical cartel and corrupt FDA label as safe? I’m still waiting for a response to that email.
Would love to hear your thoughts and any recommendations on where you buy your raw almonds.
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Dainis W. Michel | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
Amazing, will they try to make “raw” apples illegal? What about raw carrots? How about raw lettuce?
brandi Maitri | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
So glad to know the origin of this ridiculous law…I am sure a ton more people have become sick from gentically modified foods but those are still legal????
Kathy Lee | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
Surprisingly, Whole Foods is carrying small packages of raw, organic almonds in their packaged bulk section (at least in Sonoma, CA). Their bulk bins however, contain organic almonds that have been pasturized. They are not labeled raw.
Kathy
Jason Cairns | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
Kathy, you might want to contact the company/brand of those raw almonds, I highly doubt they are raw. The law allows them to be labeled as ‘raw almonds’ when in fact they are not and have been pasteurized, because according to the law, a pasteurized almond is a raw almond…it’s terrible the levels you must go to in order to eat healthy. I buy all my raw almonds from the farmers market.
jon | Mar 27, 2009 | Reply
You mention not why the government makes them illegal in raw form, besides bacterial contamination (which is common to all foods).
You neglect the entire CYANIDE issue….
Jayme | Mar 28, 2009 | Reply
CODEX ALIMENTARIUS (research this people!!!)-they have been and are heading towards taking out all of the nutrients in our food-MORE POWER FOR THEM so that they may control the masses. CODEX/FDA want to start making vitamins unavailable to us without a doctor’s prescription-EDUCATE YOURSELVES!!!!
Alison | May 15, 2009 | Reply
I would really love a way to get true raw almonds. Do you have any sources for those living outside CA to get them?
Jason Cairns | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Alison, this is a great site to buy Raw Almonds. I’ve talked with the Mark (owner) many times and have personally purchased his almonds. You can even get Raw Milk. Enjoy!! http://www.organicpastures.com/products_almonds.html
Randy Malboeuf | May 18, 2009 | Reply
Here’s where I get mine. It’s a great company !
http://www.nutsonline.com/nuts/almonds/organic.html
Tom Dafoe | May 19, 2009 | Reply
I grow almonds here in northern California on my small farm and I am still selling unpasteurized, natural raw almonds directly to consumers – sort of like an online “farmer’s market”. Check it out at http://www.homegrownalmonds.com/natural-raw-almonds.html
Tom Dafoe | Jun 7, 2009 | Reply
I farm almonds and am able to sell unpasteruized raw almonds at local farmer’s markets. We also sell them at our online store: http://www.homegrownalmonds.com
Stan Mrak | Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
Is this for real? I had no idea there was a loophole so you could still buy almonds raw.
Jason Cairns | Jul 6, 2009 | Reply
Yes, this article is for real.
Happy Almond Shopping!
Jim McCoey | Jul 19, 2009 | Reply
Alison,
feel free to contact us toll free at: 866-499-0825. We offer Organic Raw Unpasteurized/untreated almonds grown in the USA.
rockcreekorganics.com
Mel Z. | Aug 5, 2009 | Reply
This is so insane! I think Dainis’s comment says it all!
Rosemarie | Aug 8, 2009 | Reply
What about unshelled almonds? Are they also pasteurized now?
stan | Sep 10, 2009 | Reply
Real raw almonds can still be bought in the USA — but only directly from the grower. Check this one out:
http://www.homegrownalmonds.com/natural-raw-almonds.html
Dinara | Sep 13, 2009 | Reply
what about raw peanuts? the same story? any suggestions where I can buy them?
Thank you!
Nell | Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
If you want to buy unpasteurized raw organic almonds from a reputable business at the most affordable price, go to BremnerFarmsRoadsideStand.com! You’ll get beautiful, fresh, great-tasting almonds directly from our family’s farm!
Stephanie | Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
As a company, we have been educating people about really raw almonds. Thousands of people have signed our petition. We are committed to producing gourmet raw and organically flavored almonds and other nuts, as well as unflavored raw almonds. We hope to change minds, one nut at a time!
Jane | Sep 21, 2009 | Reply
I’ve been buying my almonds from Anderson Almonds for years. They are stilling shipping their almonds out without any sort of pasteurization. Only $8.00 with the shipping included.
http://www.andersonalmonds.com
Carrie | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
I would not buy from Nutsonline.com. they sell almonds which they claim are unpasteurized but which actually are pasteurized!! They are dark and toasted-looking on the outside and taste of freezer burn too. and they refused to give me a refund!! Stay away from that place!!!!
Sarah Ann | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
Great article! Its so important to buy RAW ALMONDS! – Thanks!
Carrie | Sep 30, 2009 | Reply
Jim Mc Coey:
Your site says that your almonds ARE pasteurized. What’s the deal??
John Min | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Raw almonds are illegal, in part, because they are what Cyanide is made from. A deadly and fast acting poison. Eating an excessive amount of them can make you very sick. Be sure and eat ONLY those that have been pasteurized.
John Min | Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
Here are two sources about raw almonds. Both reference Prussic acid, from which cyanide is made, in raw almonds.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Almond
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-almonds.htm
The clipping below is from the second link.
Almonds come in two varieties, sweet and bitter. Sweet almonds are used in many Asian dishes, as well as dessert pastes and garnishes. A popular use for crushed sweet almonds is a European candy base called marzipan. The almonds are mixed with glucose (a sugar substitute that can be derived from almonds) and water to form a thick but pliable paste. Marzipan can be molded into cookies or other identifiable shapes by skilled dessert makers.
Sweet almonds can also be processed into essential oils or extracts. Almond extract is commonly used as an alternative to vanilla extract in diabetic-safe recipes. Sweet almonds are often roasted and turned into slivers or chunks for texture in ice creams or puddings.
The bitter form of almonds is also used in cooking, but it must first be processed in the raw stage. Bitter almonds contain a toxic amount of prussic acid, which can be further refined into a poison called cyanide. Consuming a handful of raw bitter almonds can lead to death from this poison. Consequently, the prussic acid must be leached out of the bitter almonds before they can be used by humans as food.
amy | Oct 6, 2009 | Reply
We offer 2009 new crop real raw almonds, certified organic and untreated for $8.00 a pound. Call 1-877-3-RAW-NUTS. Direct from the grower and delicious.
amy | Oct 7, 2009 | Reply
To John Min
The reason for the ruling about almond pasteurization had nothing to do with almonds being used to make Cyanide. The ruling came after 2 rare cases of Salmonella were found in almonds. The salmonella did not come from the almond itself but from the surroundings, bird droppings in the field, etc. The almonds sold in California are the sweet variety and not the bitter kind that is toxic.
Diaa | Oct 17, 2009 | Reply
I’ve personally never seen a bitter almond in my life. You?
I think all the raw almonds we love and are used to buying are of the sweet almond variety. Why the heck do they want to pasturize those?
As a chef, I can tell you, it completely ruins the flavor and the delicate oils inside.
Boo to the FDA on this one!
Joanne | Nov 4, 2009 | Reply
Homegrownalmonds.com, although they call their almonds natural, are not organic. He mentions on his website that he uses insecticides.
Max | Nov 5, 2009 | Reply
Cyanide is only present in bitter almonds. I’ve seen no studies stating the efficacy of pasteurizing for making cyanide inert. The pasteurization process and the misrepresentation has the same impetus… Money…f^@%$in money.
Oliver | Nov 22, 2009 | Reply
what about other nuts? Is it just almonds that have to be pasteurized?
Jason Cairns | Nov 23, 2009 | Reply
To my knowledge, only Almonds are ‘Required’ to be pasteurized and still allowed to be labeled ‘Raw’. You just have to purchase them online through a reputable seller, or at farmers markets. Cheers Jason
Arby | Nov 24, 2009 | Reply
Jason,
Do you know if the almonds from Organic Pastures are certified organic and if so, who does the certification? I didn’t see that info on their site and the person I spoke with on the phone didn’t know. BTW. Great website! Just found it today.
Jason Cairns | Nov 24, 2009 | Reply
Arby – I’m a big fan of Organic Pastures. I’m pretty sure they are certified organic by the USDA. More importantly when you buy them online they are truly ‘raw’ and NOT pasteurized. Glad you found us! Cheers! – Jason
joann love | Dec 8, 2009 | Reply
did you find out about shelled almonds? are the gassed? thanks joann
Nancy | Dec 15, 2009 | Reply
Aww
I was looking for pictures of raw almonds and dry-roasted unsalted almonds to try to see if the ones in this mix i bought were raw or not, i guess they’re not. 
What a ridiculous law. No wonder the almonds where I work are no longer labeled “Whole Raw Almonds” and are now just labeled “Almonds” I remember the recall a few years back and when we started stocking almonds again the package had changed. The law should be about … keeping animal feces away from where the nuts are handled… not cooking the nutrients out.
dan m | Dec 29, 2009 | Reply
domestic grown almonds contain no cyanide..only wild almonds
rusty | Jan 5, 2010 | Reply
I recently purchased 5 lbs of almonds from Organic Pastures. The box was labeled “USDA Certified Organic”. The people I spoke w/ on the phone were nice and the shipping was prompt. The per/lb cost w/ shipping was also the least expensive I could find. Two thumbs up!
Linda | Jan 15, 2010 | Reply
I purchase the best truly raw almonds I have ever tasted from http://www.homegrownalmonds.com
The owner posted a comment on this website, and I decided to check it out. The almonds are fresh, crunchy, and very delicious.
JN | Jan 25, 2010 | Reply
Keep up researching John Min. I read the wiki article you posted and others and looked at photos of bitter and sweet almonds and I was convinced I was eating bitter almonds until I read this article:
http://www.california-almonds.com/recipies/info_10.html
Many people have heard the term “bitter Almond” and want to know what they are…Bitter almonds contain a toxic amount of prussic acid. It is not legal to cultivate Bitter Almonds in California and they are virtually unavailable in the United States…Consuming a handful of raw bitter almonds can lead to death.
I like it when people post links to more info along with their statements.
Falconsong Hart | Mar 5, 2010 | Reply
Jon-
Firstly, pasteurization doesn’t take out cyanide from raw almonds, it just doesn’t work that way. Secondly, Domestic almonds don’t have cyanide! Only the wild strings do. Do some research before you try and use scare tacticts.
Further, contamination in raw almonds is VERY rare, but in meat it’s become monumental. Yet the FDA does nothing about it, claiming that they have no way to force a company to do a recall, even though meat is tainted. I fail to see why it should be illegal to not be able to get raw almonds which have a LOW chance of contamination but there’s no law requiring that contaminated meat must be recalled.
http://www.grist.org/article/2009-12-31-meat-wagon-ammonia-burger
Ikyena | Mar 11, 2010 | Reply
I absolutely LOVE raw almonds. I eat a small portion daily. They are really good…they help you feel full…and I don’t have to worry about “miscellaneous extras” in my food. I buy them from our local co-op, and feel good about helping my local economy.
Danielle | Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
Unfortunately, the meat market has a huge lobbying influence on Capitol Hill. Wave some dollars in the face of a Congressman, and you can get whatever you want passed or not passed. Poor almond farmers probably don’t have the money to prevent the passing of this law which is such a freaking waste of taxpayers’ dollars. This really ticks me off! I am so sick of big government!!!
knifethrower | Apr 17, 2010 | Reply
I think most people (including the original poster) are completely ignorant about the pasturization process. For example: An egg can be pasturized at 140 degrees for 3 1/2 minutes which kills salmonella without even begining to cook the egg. Unless someone can tell me different, I just don’t believe that vitamins & minerals are destroyed at such a low temperature for such a short period of time. The only thing I have ever read about a specific vitamin being destroyed by heat is vitamin C at boiling temperatures of 212 degrees and over a period of time longer than just 3 1/2 minutes. Don’t jump on the band wagon so easily and believe what any ignorant poster is willing to post to play with your head. Don’t even believe what I am posting until you do the simple research yourself and learn the real facts before you just jump in and agree with it.
Brayden Sanchez | Apr 28, 2010 | Reply
A few workers in our area got Salmonella poisoning. It is a good thing that they did not die and they have fully recovered. ~
mel scott | Jun 8, 2010 | Reply
Its not true, you can buy unpasteurized almonds!! here is the trick, You have to buy from the grower, in the law there is an exemption.The grower can sell up to 100lbs per day per person. check out http://www.organicalmondsraw.com..true organic unpasteurized almonds!!
mel scott | Jun 8, 2010 | Reply
Bitter almonds…here is the truth..bitter almonds are from almond trees that are grown from the nut..spain and other countries do this.The reason you dont get bitter nuts here in the usa, is because almonds here in the states are grafted on to various fruit stock, and not grown from the nut sprouting.
Karl Sanders | Jun 11, 2010 | Reply
I have an uncle that ate a handful of raw almonds on a farm as a child. I guess they must have been “bitter”. He nearly died, and as a result, was severely brain damaged. I personally agree with knifethrower, I can’t imagine much of the nutrients being lost at 140 degrees, not worth the risk.
mel scott | Jun 14, 2010 | Reply
he didnt almost die from bitter almonds!!! only way he would almost die is if he was allergic to almonds which was probably the case. Just what we need more scare stories without the facts. bitter almonds wont kill you heck all of the imported almonds are allowed by law to have up to 20% bitter almonds
Matthew | Jun 26, 2010 | Reply
Are the health benefits really vanished when we pasteurize almonds? What about when we roast them?
ObserverOnTheHill | Aug 11, 2010 | Reply
This is just more of the same – government interfering in our daily lives. The real reason for this law is Big Pharma wanted it – after they destroy your natural, healthy and healing foods they hope you’ll get ill and get on the pill wagon. I am so disgusted with these Senators and Congressmen sticking their nose where they don’t belong. They have been bought nad paid for by big business interests. See “Death by Medicine” info here :
http://www.webdc.com/pdfs/deathbymedicine.pdf
Oyster | Aug 19, 2010 | Reply
And the government still allows people to buy cigarettes…. are they required to undergo a mandatory pasteurization?