Should I Buy Organic Almonds

But quality can vary. When shopping for nuts, you may have come across organic and non-organic versions. This may cause you to ask questions like, "Do almonds need to be organic?" or "Do walnuts need to be organic?"

should i buy organic almonds

Unlike conventionally grown foods, organic foods have the benefit of being grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers (but note that there are approved organic pesticides, herbicides and fertilizers). Organic foods are also not allowed to be genetically modified in any way, according to California Certified Organic Farmers.

Buying organic protects consumers from potentially harmful side effects of pesticides, and some pesticides have been linked to cancer and hormone issues, as reported by the Environmental Protection Agency. Organic foods can be identified by the USDA Organic seal.

There are companies that disclose on their websites that they do not use PPO on their conventional almonds, such as what supermarket chain Natural Grocers says about their almonds sold in bulk. However, unless you are going to contact the manufacturer and ask them directly, you just do not know. This is particularly difficult when you are at a restaurant, and you have absolutely no idea what the brand is. The bottom line is that all conventionally-grown almonds can be treated with PPO.

Because of the salmonella outbreak many years ago, even California-grown organic almonds must be pasteurized. So, the question that some people may be asking is: what do you do if you want organic almonds that are truly raw and unpasteurized?

Certified organic foods cannot be genetically modified and should not contain genetically modified ingredients. So for those of us who want to avoid GM Foods, it is best to start considering organic for the potentially GM foods pictured below. Soy, corn, canola, and cotton (includes cottonseed oil) are well-established GM crops, but you may be surprised by some others that are emerging.

That said, if you do use dairy products, my vote is with organic for a few straight-forward reasons. Organic dairy must be produced without added hormones, which means it is naturally rBGH-Free. Also, organic cows must now receive at least 30% of their calories from grazing. Therefore you are receiving some of the added nutritional value of grass-fed vs purely grain-fed cows. Finally, conventional dairy cows eat pesticide-rich, typically GM corn and soy. Pesticide residues from the feed have been found in dairy product samples. The feed for organic cows is neither genetically modified nor rich in pesticides.

Organic farmers are not permitted to unnecessarily use hormones or antibiotics on their cows and chickens (to note: hormones are not permitted with pigs or chickens, whether conventional or organic). The healthy community has many concerns about the use of hormones and antibiotics in our food supply, and studies seem to be backing up that fear.

Like for the dairy industry, organic cows must be at least partially grass-fed and will not be noshing on GM or pesticide-rich feed. As for chickens, conventional farms are still raising them on GM feed and concerns of arsenic are still on the table. Eggs pose many of the same conventionally-raised risks (and organic benefits) as chickens, but it is also worth noting that the fat-soluble pesticides in chicken feed transfer to the egg yolks.

I am planning to cook for a loved one who is at the hospital for recovery right now. With that, I am currently looking for a supplier for organic dairy ingredients since Aunt Martha is lactose intolerant. I agree with what you said that organic dairy must be produced without added hormones, so that it would be considered as purely organic.

For more than a decade, Tradin Organic has been working with local partners in The Philippines to bring a diversified range of organic products to the market, such as coconut oil, tropical fruits and even cocoa.

Without question, organic food is the healthiest food that exists and is something that I believe can feed the planet. However, sometimes the packaging of organic food products is not always the best.

In a warehouse near Newman, Calif., run by the Cosmed Group, millions of almonds are heated in huge metal containers. The temperature inside the chambers gradually rises to 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The goal is to ensure through steam pasteurization that the almonds don't carry bacteria from the fields to consumers.

The regulation is a result of two salmonella outbreaks traced to almonds in the early 2000s. Almonds are not any more susceptible to the bacteria than other nuts and dried goods, but the Almond Board of California wanted to prevent future outbreaks. So the industry asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to implement a rule requiring raw almonds grown in California's Central Valley to be pasteurized. In 2007 the USDA issued the "almond rule."

Left: Raw California almonds that have been pasteurized, as required by law. Right: Unpasteurized almonds, which some critics argue are the only really "raw" nuts. Lesley McClurg/Capital Public Radio hide caption

When the law came down, Glen Anderson pasteurized a batch of the organic almonds grown on his farm in Hilmar, south of Modesto, in Northern California. He says steaming the nuts changed the moisture and taste of his product.

Anderson never steamed another batch, but he continues to sell his almonds under an exception within the regulation: As long as he sells his nuts directly to consumers in small batches, he is not legally required to pasteurize.

He stores his almonds in large white freezers so they retain their freshness. With a heavy metal scoop, he transfers a handful of almonds into a zip-close bag for me to try. I wait a few hours for the almonds to warm up. I taste a sample, then compare it with a pasteurized nut. The main difference I notice is the texture: The steamed almonds are crunchier, and their flavor is slightly less rich.

Everyone knows that nuts are healthy plant-based snacks and great to satisfy our hunger pangs. They are convenient to bring on-the-go and a source of proteins, antioxidants and healthy fats. What about organic nuts and how does it compare to just the normal raw nuts?

1) The difference is the lack of chemicals in the organic nuts. Pesticides have been linked to increased risk of illnesses such as ADHD, autism, cancers and other fertility and cognitive issues. There are some food that have higher residue of chemicals on them such as strawberries, grapes and apples.

If you want to play a part for the environment, organic farming is touted as a sustainable food production due to the lack of insecticides that promotes biodiversity, soil fertility and less pollution. Without chemicals, the wild life and agriculture are able to flourish and there are lesser emission of greenhouse gases. The farmers and people living near the plantation would not have over exposure to chemicals, and are said to lead a healthier lifestyle.

However, the yield of the crop will be lesser and more efforts have to be taken to prevent crops from spoilage. All these factors are why organic food are more expensive and debates are still ongoing on whether organic farming are truly environmentally friendly.

Almonds, cashew, pistachio and peanuts are some nuts reported to have high chemical residue. We currently have organic almonds, cashew and walnuts and mulberries. Our organic walnuts are darker in colour as they are from Moldova but equally nutritious. If you would like to see more organic range, do let us know!

Braga Organic Farms' products have been certified organic food by C.C.O.F. since November of 2000. We currently have 40 acres of pistachios located in Madera, California. We invite our customers to visit our pistachios farm, by appointment.

One of the most concerning toxins associated with peanuts is a mould called aflatoxin, which requires fungicide to be killed. Because they are legumes, not nuts, peanuts have a soft, permeable shell and are particularly susceptible to contamination. These nuts also grow underground, making it easy for mould to grow on them if they are in a warm, humid environment. When you eat non-organic peanuts and nut butter, these chemicals can be absorbed into your body. 041b061a72