Almond Pasteurization

[Guest guest]

As most on this list are probably aware from previous posts, the

Almond Board of California, with the backing of the USDA, has decided

that ALL almonds (including raw) from California, destined for the

U.S., Canada, and Mexico, are to be pasteurized. This is mandatory!

Fortunately (for now) other states may still have unpasteurized

almonds available. Sensitive raw foodists may experience digestion,

or other, problems from consuming pasteurized almonds. Having not

consumed them (that I am aware of), I do not know the effects. I do

know that the original problem was with conventional almonds, yet

they are planning to pasteurize all almonds. Not only does this

decision threaten the source of a major staple of raw foodists, but

for those honoring the Essene teachings, this may be affecting

religious rights (we should not cook our food, according to the

teachings.)

 

Anyway, I encourage you to write letters to help have this decision

reversed. We should still be allowed a way of purchasing truly raw

California almonds. Last week, I wrote Governor Schwarzenegger

regarding the issue and I cc'd many people/groups. I had previously

phoned and emailed Whole Foods for their take on the situation. I

posted my letter and emails, as well as the replies I've received

here: soystache.com/rawalmonds.htm. I also included contact

information for most of those I wrote to. Feel free to follow suit.

You're also welcome to send people to the web page. I'm concerned

that if this decision is not questioned and protested, it may become

a national program.

 

Jeff

[Guest guest]

According to the Almond Board of California's web site, California is the

only commercial grower of almonds in the United States, and California

produces 80% of the world's almonds. Maybe this is the time for some

entrepeneur to start a raw almond growing business in another state.

 

Source:

http://almondboard.files.cms-plus.com/PDFs/CA%20Almond%20Facts%

20Summer%202005.pdf

 

Ron

 

, Jeff Rogers <jeff wrote:

>

> Fortunately (for now) other states may still have unpasteurized

> almonds available.

[Guest guest]

I actually got green almonds at the Greek market in Everett today. Very

interesting. They look like green, fuzzy, apricots but smaller. You eat the

entire thing. Rather " green " tasting, but not bad. I didn't ask where they

came from, but I'm assuming Greece seeing as that's where most everything in the

store comes from! When I was offered one I asked how to eat it and that got

quite a laugh from all the men in the store. He said " very difficult, take one

and........... " he put the entire thing in his mouth and chewed! Then he split

one open and showed me the almond we are used to seeing inside.

 

Shari

 

 

[Guest guest]

Cool,

We have a Mediterranean store here in Morgantown and occaisionally they get

whole fresh almonds. The store owner never told me you could eat the thing

whole. I'll try it if they get them again.

Nick

 

-

SV

Undisclosed-Recipient:;

Wednesday, April 25, 2007 10:55 PM

Re: Re: Almond Pasteurization

 

 

I actually got green almonds at the Greek market in Everett today. Very

interesting. They look like green, fuzzy, apricots but smaller. You eat the

entire thing. Rather " green " tasting, but not bad. I didn't ask where they came

from, but I'm assuming Greece seeing as that's where most everything in the

store comes from! When I was offered one I asked how to eat it and that got

quite a laugh from all the men in the store. He said " very difficult, take one

and........... " he put the entire thing in his mouth and chewed! Then he split

one open and showed me the almond we are used to seeing inside.

 

Shari

 

[Guest guest]

Ron,

 

Thanks for finding that. It's certainly discouraging information.

 

Has anyone else written any letters for the cause?

 

Jeff

 

On Apr 25, 2007, at 7:25 PM, Ron Koenig wrote:

 

> According to the Almond Board of California's web site, California

> is the

> only commercial grower of almonds in the United States, and California

> produces 80% of the world's almonds.

[Guest guest]

My last order of raw (unpasteurized) almonds (24 lbs?) was from " Raw

from the Farm " . I emailed them about this pasteurization issue,

asking if they will still have them available. Here is their below.

 

Jeff

 

 

We are planning to continue provide unpasteurized raw almonds, but

can't be sure how the mandate is going to affect the farmers we work

with. We are waiting to see how things roll out....

 

Drake

 

Raw from the Farm

www.Rawfromthefarm.com