Although the superior nutrition of the raw almond is well-known, true raw almonds are getting a lot harder to find. The reason? California – the largest almond grower in the country – passed a 2007 law requiring almond pasteurization. (A little history: according to lawmakers, there were two almond-related salmonella outbreaks “several years ago”; the specifics are vague). Organic growers argue that outbreaks were caused by conventional farming practices and have never occurred in an organic grove. Consumers complain that they want proper labeling and the right to purchase almonds that are truly raw.
Unfortunately, the law is now in place and consumer choice is diminished. “Raw almonds” on the label may be meaningless – you’ll have to look for “unpasteurized.”
If you’d like to take action, contact the Almond Board of California and ask that they require truthful labeling, and tell them you have the right to choose the kind of food that is appropriate for you.
Image: ReefRaff