Tree of Life raw almond butter

[Allison]

I know Maranatha brand is not really raw, but is Tree of Life really raw?

[twinyoga]

I can't answer this...but are you saying that if it says raw, it still might not be raw? I buy raw almond butter from Trader Joe's or Wild Oats. They both have their own brands and it's much cheaper.

[Allison]

Unfortunately that's exactly what I'm saying. Although they may not use roasted almonds, the heat that is generated while processing essentially cooks it.

[violetflame]

According to the Tree of Life people, whom I believe to be trustworthy in these matters, the Artisana almond butter and tahini they sell is "really raw", unlike the marantha brand. (It is too bad, cuz I could get the fake "raw" stuff at the local whole foods market instead of paying for shipping etc). Anyway, Tree of life gets its almond butter and tahini from the folks at 'Artisana"which used to be called "Marianna's" I believe.
I just got my first order from tree of life and love the almond butter, the raw tahini takes a bit of getting used to on its own, but tastes great in hummus with sprouted chick peas, lemon and spices.

I spoke to the folks at SunOrganic in California and they told me that their tahini is raw and heated under 105 Degrees during processing. I am ordering some of theirs to try it.

Peace,
violetflame

[rawpriestess]

I have spoken to the Tree of Life people and they guarantee that their products are really raw.

However most of the others sold in Health food stores are not.

Including Braggs, it is not raw, as we speak of raw, at under 115 degrees.

Raw to them means uncooked, not unheated.

[Allison]

When you say the Artisana brand is raw, does that mean they have others that are not raw? I don't remember what kind I saw in the health food store. I just remember that it said Tree of Life. It would be great to have raw almond butter locally!

[twinyoga]

Do you think it would be easier and cheaper to make it ourselves? Just by grinding raw almonds, a little oil in a blender? I've done it before.

[Allison]

It's definitely easier and cheaper for me to make it myself, but it doesn't taste as good. I guess it's the texture I don't care for.

[Sharon in Colorado]

I too prefer the jarred variety, but maybe that is why, because it's been heated. Just another one of those questionable things to have to give up sooner or later.

I just love Whole Foods "raw" cashew butter in the bulk section. Probably not truly raw either.

I look at it this way - I'm still eating better and more 'whole' than before when I was getting into cooked grains and processed vegetarian stuff. All in all, I'm doing better and can keep moving forward. It will take some time to eliminate everything - like nama shoyu, salt, olives, vanilla extract, etc. but at least it's giving me a helping hand to stay "all" raw for now.

[RawTruth]

I feel the same way, Sharon. Even though I'm finding out that these items that you listed aren't really raw, I'm still using them -- for now -- and feeling no guilt at all, considering my entire diet. You made a good point.