Raw Almonds

I usually buy raw almonds from Costco, but now I'll have to get them elsewhere...

http://www.foodnavigator-usa.com/Legislation/Judge-upholds-almond-pasteurization-law

http://www.livingnutz.com/?gclid=CPD69cCOhZsCFYJM5QodFBQmqg

"All our flavored and unflavored almonds are made with organic/unpasteurized almonds! Did you know that all almonds grown in California and the U.S are now pasteurized- that is why we import our Certified Organic almonds from Spain-be wary of buying any almond (organic) from California as it may be pasteurized!

These large, flat almonds are more crunchy and flavorful than the normal American kind. They are smoother and juicier with an incomparably sweet delicate taste- Many people prefer them to American almonds because they have more of an almond flavor.

Ingredients: 100% Raw, Unpasteurized Organic Almonds
Truly Raw, Unpasteurized, Certified Organic Almonds from Spain. We import our almonds from Spain. The Spanish almonds are very different from domestically grown American almonds. Morocco is the birthplace of almonds and Spain is right next to Morocco. The genetics of these original old world almonds are the closest thing available to heirloom almonds. American or California almonds are down bred hybridized versions of these original genetics. The flavor of the almonds between these two different countries is very distinct. California almonds are bigger and more bland with a very weak almond flavor. Old world almonds have a much stronger almond extract flavor. Some of the almonds, like maybe one out of a hundred, will have a bitter flavor. This is totally natural and our suppliers have assured us that these ones have a higher antioxidant and nutritional value."

http://shop.livingnutz.com/product.sc?categoryId=1&productId=34


This is a very good article...

..."The new protocols require all raw almonds sold in North America to be pasteurized, thereby killing off any wayward bacteria. How? By quick-steaming the nuts, or spraying them with propylene oxide (PPO), a chemical so nasty that it was banned by both the National Hot Rod and American Motorcycle Racing Associations, where it had been used as a fuel before being deemed too dangerous. PPO is also a carcinogen. For these and other reasons, most countries, including the EU, ban imported nuts treated with PPO. (The ABC is actively working to change that.)

I like to avoid ingesting post-harvest fumigants when I can. Especially hot-rod fuel. Trouble is, the almond industry is not going to be advising the public which nuts got the steam treatment and which ones got the PPO. I, for one, would like to know. A little moist hot air is one thing; a cancer causing has-been motorcycle fuel is another.

Now, of course, those who prefer steam can fork over the considerable cash for organic almonds, which in my neighborhood are going for $17.79/pound. Thanks to the national organic standards, those pearls are guaranteed to be PPO-free. But that's the only way to know you are getting steam-pasteurized nuts..."

http://www.localharvest.org/newsletter/20070619/almonds.jsp