Raw almonds are a source of confusion for a lot of individuals, which is absolutely and quite natural given the nature of the subject matter.
What Are Raw Almonds?
Commonly, "raw" means uncooked. However, depending on your definition of "cooked," the issue becomes more nuanced for those of us who advocate for the consumption of just raw foods.
Raw food purists exist, but for the vast majority of us, the line between raw and cooked is clear.
A food is considered cooked if its flavor and/or texture have altered as a result of prolonged exposure to intense heat.
However, raw materials are not processed in this way.
It's possible that you'll need to make some adjustments to your understanding of the word "raw" in order to properly characterize raw almonds, as it takes on a different connotation here.
Raw almonds are considered "natural" in the almond business.
When referring to almonds, the term "raw" refers to the fact that the nuts have not been blanched and skinned.
Different kinds of Raw Almonds
Almonds are the golden nuggets of the cocktail nut mix.
Standard fare includes peanuts, walnuts, and the occasional cashew.
Once you find that almond, though, you know you've hit the jackpot. These tasty nuts are easily identifiable by their singular form and flavor.
You can't just look at them and think "wow," because they have a certain debauchery to them.
They have the same healthy snack status as many other nuts. Are they, though?
Did you know that several types of almonds are toxic?
If you want to know the truth about almonds and their health benefits, there is a lot you don't know. If you did your research, you might form a different opinion of these cocktail nut mix party VIPs.
Specification of Raw Almonds
Oil is transferred to whatever an almond kernel is crushed on, so be careful.
Almonds, especially fresh almonds, are oilier and more authentic.
The almonds in most grocery stores are kept fresh by being stored in a cool, damp area, usually near a water source.
Pressing almonds onto paper results in two sets of oil smears due to the nuts' inherent wetness.
This causes the oil to leak with minimal pressure.
Put eight or ten almonds in a metal container. The best way to test for dampness is to give it a good shake.
If the almonds make a sound like a stone striking steel, they are in good condition. Instead, the almonds have been tampered with if there is a muffled noise.
What Are the Types of Raw Almonds?
You can get almonds in many different forms, from raw to blanched to dry-roasted to oil-roasted. Either buy them whole or have them cut up into smaller portions.
Plain or salted, you may also purchase them honey-roasted, BBQ'd, smothered in chili, or covered in chocolate, all of which signed up for the calorie, sodium, and sugar content.
Almonds retain the same amount of nourishment whether they are raw or dry-roasted.
To maintain their quality, almonds need to be kept in a cool, dry place. Almonds can be stored for up to two years if the temperature is kept at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Interesting Facts about Purchasing Raw Almonds
Raw almonds have many benefits, but it's important to note that the almonds sold in the United States are not raw.
A government mandate from September 2007 requires all American almond farmers to "sterilize" their goods. Even though they may be labelled "raw," you should know that they are often pasteurized.
There are manufacturers who sell raw almonds and almond butter.
The best places to find this are at local farmer's markets. Many people also avoid raw almonds because of media reports claiming that they are unhealthy.
The typical American is probably leery of this dish due to the plethora of comparable warnings posted online.