Almonds (Whole) California – Alive & Organic

The Origins of Our Almonds

90% of the world’s almonds are grown in California’s Central Valley. It is bounded to the east by the towering Sierras and to the west by the coastal mountain range. Its rich, alluvial soil is wondrously fertile. This great plain is a sea of white in February when the almonds blossom. The orchards are irrigated by water from melting snow high in the Sierras. It is brought to them by a marvelous system of canals. California almonds are sweeter and their flavor is richer and more complex. Imported almond cannot compare. California almonds are simply the best.

We have decided to offer almonds exclusively from California in making our almond butter. The almonds we are offering have been processed in compliance with the USDA rule. They are exposed to steam for 8 seconds at 210- 215°F, then moved through a dehydrating tunnel to remove the moisture resulting from the steam for 44 seconds, in a circulating air temperature of 391- 395°F. During this process the almonds are 221-220°F on their surface and 110- 115°F at their core.

California farmers are leading the struggle to bring back your original almonds. In addition to instituting a lawsuit against the USDA “pasteurization” mandate, California farmers are actively developing another route, namely “non-thermal pasteurization” i.e. the use of ultra-violet light or ozone at room temperature to achieve the same result. We support their pursuit of this non-thermal pasteurization process.