My Thoughts:

(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.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.