Almonds in Nuts, Trail Mix & Seeds

Are raw almonds truly raw?

Store-bought almonds can be labeled raw, but they are pasteurized to prevent salmonella and aren't raw in the purest sense of the term. Almonds sold as organic are also pasteurized unless they come directly from a farm. Farm-direct or farm-to-table almonds don't require pasteurization to be sold in stores.

How does the flavor of roasted almonds compare to raw?

Roasted almonds have a more intense flavor than raw almonds, although raw almonds tend to have a stronger almond taste than roasted. Roasted almonds are crunchier than raw almonds and easier to digest. The longer an almond is cooked or roasted, the sweeter it will taste.

How can I tell if an almond is good?

The first sign that an almond is going bad is the presence of dark specks. Avoid consuming an almond that's soft or has spots of mold. The most telltale sign of a bad almond is the smell. Almonds produce a rancid odor when they've gone bad. When properly stored, an almond will remain fresh for about two years.