Trader Joes Nuts

[solongng00dnite]

I recently emailed Trader Joes about their raw nuts because I had bought some brazil nuts and they were relatively cheap for raw nuts so I questioned if they were really raw. Here was the response..

Hello Nicole,
Thank you for your interest in our almonds. Trader Joe's California
almonds are steam pasteurized and are heated to 115 degrees. There are
no chemicals involved in this process. The almonds are labeled as raw
because the steam pasteurization of almonds is an industry standard and
all almonds that have been steam pasteurized will be labeled in this
manner not just Trader Joe's. If you are looking for almonds that have
not been pasteurized please look in our stores for a country of origin
labeling, as only California Almonds will be pasteurized. All other nuts
labeled Raw are completely raw.
Thank you for your inquiry and thank you for shopping at Trader Joe's .

Kellye
Trader Joe's
Customer Relations

[apower2me408]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah I didnt think they were completely "raw", but they are certainly better than roasted/salted nuts!
And if its only 115 degrees, shouldnt that still be considered raw?

[mountaintop]

At 115 degrees, they do seem to come in under the radar.

[solongng00dnite]

Yea but she said they were steamed first, doesnt that matter?

[boxerfamily]

I am sure that steam is well over 115. They are not raw if they are pasturized. :rolleyes:

[Eva]

Were you asking them about almonds or nuts in general? Just curious because it talks about almonds specifically. When I get almonds from Trader Joe's, I only get the ones from Spain that are organic. Those supposedly have not been pasteurized, but they just don't taste "live."...

[VeggieMel]

I was confused about her telling you to look for the country of origin. Does that mean that almonds from other countries can be sold raw in California? So raw almonds are sold in California? And the only almonds that are sold after pasteurization are almonds grown in California?
Also, would almonds grown in other states that are sold in California be raw?
This brings up lots of questions for me.

[willow]

I would take it as imported almonds have different standards and do not require pasteurization like we do here in the US, therefore they are truly raw.

[VeggieMel]

This is actually good news. I was under the impression that raw almonds could not be sold in California (except directly from farmers in quantities of 100 pounds or less). Apparently, that's not the case. You can get raw almonds which are grown in other countries, but they're pasteurized if grown in California. Good to know!!!

[northernstars]

and they are very good. I believe that they are grown in California, too.I have some that I ordered this week and are on their way.

[apower2me408]

I was at Whole Foods the other day, and they are selling truly raw imported almonds for $12.99/lb. Almonds normally are around $9.99lb.
Prices seem a bit steep! Walnuts are usually 6.99/lb

[walnutty]

I have been meaning to post about information I received from Trader Joe's for the past month, because it is so disturbing. So thank you solongng00dnite for bringing up this topic and getting me to post.

I have known one of the manager's at Trader Joe's for many years. A few weeks ago I noticed that TJ's is still selling "raw almond butter" even though the pasteurization laws have been in effect since September. I had purchased quite a few bottles before September, but was needing more. I took one of the bottles up to this manager and asked if these were "leftovers" from before pasteurization because I did not want to purchase pasteurized "raw almond butter". His answer started a huge conversation about what really goes on behind the scenes, not only with TJ's but many other stores.

He told me that TJ's had been pasteurizing their "raw almond butter" for years! That they had never wanted to take a risk with their customers health so had been pasteurizing long before there was talk of a law.

He also told me that all of the nuts that they sell (raw or otherwise) are all pasteurized and have been for many years. They sell them as raw because they use raw nuts. Anything that is not "roasted" they call raw.

I told him that I had been purchasing the TJ's organic, raw valencia almonds since September because they are imported from Spain. (not cheap at $6.49 for 12 oz.) He told me it did not matter! TJ's pasteurizes all of their nuts.

I was shocked, but what he told me next was truly distubing!

All of the raw produce that they stock, unless it comes from Arizona, which is where I live and shop at TJ's, is irradiated. The raw, organc spinach I purchase by the ton is brought in from Mexico, so it's irradiated?. Yes, he states, it is irradiated.

He next stated that if people really knew what happens to their so called "raw" they would not be able to call themselves raw vegans.

He then pointed out that the only way to know for sure that you are eating raw and organic is to grow it yourself. The U.S. government allows stores to do whatever is necessary to raw produce, nuts, etc. to make the product safe and the stores are still allowed to call it raw.

DISGUSTING!!!

So, the next time I went to Whole Foods Market I asked the produce guy about irradiation and he claims that WFM does not irradiate any of their produce, BUT all citrus is sprayed with fungacide! So the organic citrus that I have been paying outrageous prices for is sprayed with fungacide. LOVELY!!!

Just wanted to share that info with you....

[iluvcacao]

:( I had a feeling their raw almond butter was too good to be true...it was so cheap compared to any others. Not to bash TJ's, but a note off of that...I quite buying produce there last year because everytime I did it would go bad SO fast. I would buy it at the store looking perfect but within days it would mold :mad: I purchased from three different TJ's with the same result!

[Anastazia]

This really angers, upsets & frustrates me!!! I gotta get a garden goin'!!! Thanks for posting this...I think....
~Anastazia~

[Eva]

You should see my eyes right now. They're huge. I'm in shock. This really angers me!!! I actually go out of my way to buy nuts etc. from there because they are so expensive where I am.

This totally makes me want to just move somewhere where I really can grow my own everything! Seriously.

[Zuri]

Thanks Walnutty. We should post your response aaaaall over the web and this forum! WOW, and I thought there was something not so raw about those almonds from Spain. They just didn't look right. The good thing though, is that eating living and raw foods, no matter if it's the nuts aren't raw raw, is still beneficial. A pretty well versed living foods lifestyle teacher told me hazlenuts are the only truly raw nut, which I'm not too sure I believe either, while telling me to buy the almonds from Spain! Ha!

[Revvell]

I'm thinking this "anger" and "outrage" is doing more harm to some of you then the un-raw nuts could ever do. It's not right yet, why get all emotional about it? If there's something you feel to do, do it ~ without harming yourselves through these emotions.

Revvell

[Eva]

Revvell... I completely see what you're saying, but every single one of us is expressing the need to go out and do something (gardens, being in places where we can actually grow, sharing the information, changing shopping habits)...

I'm not sure that our blood pressure/bodily changes/responses really can express themselves fully over the internet.

Good point, though... I hope no one's out there having a panic attack over this or anything! Nevertheless, itt really is outrageous!

[hibisanpo]

Yes, this Trader Joe nut conspirancy is outrageous, and I will stop buying their nuts. But... to everyone who has eaten them... do you feel any less wonderful when you were happily munching away thinking they were raw?
i feel that it is a testament to the good mental health and positive radience that the raw lifestyle gives us. we were putting small amounts of non-raw substances into our bodies, but everything still came out all right.

[rawmonkey]

Hi Everyone,

I have been purchasing my nuts from a family run business in California. Here is the link to Almonds from California (http://www.wholesale-almonds.com/#Do%20you%20%E2%80%9Cprocess%E2%80%9D%20your%20Alm onds)'s information page. After you read how their almonds can still be raw, scroll to the top of the page for the link to their store. They sell almonds (several varieties including organic), walnuts, pecans, and a few other nuts. Right now they are offering free shipping on their 10lb bulk box of this season's almonds. We LOVE these almonds; they make those I used to buy from Whole Foods taste like cardboard :D. The delicate almond flavor makes almond milk heavenly :p . The family that owns these groves is very friendly and will respond to any emails very quickly; they also ship VERY fast. I have never been disappointed.

Hope this helps :) ,

Christina

[Goji]

They're supposed to label as irradiated if it has been so, according to Federal Law.

http://www.fda.gov/opacom/catalog/irradbro.html

[Anastazia]

Thanks, Revvell, I appreciate where you're coming from....
...what actually upset me most is, we're not just talking nuts here, but also produce! (Going by Rawnutty's post on page one...(& I've calmed down from last night! Honest!)

I just began ordering through an organic co-op, & now wonder if the price is worth it...
...can't remember much about what I read about irradiation...wonder how this affects Canada?

...& I'm guessing it wouldn't affect the farmer's markets we have from spring till fall?
(Can't see local farmers doing it!?!?!?!!!
I gotta check this out more for Canada's laws/practices!
Anyone with more info, please post!!!)

Maybe another solution is to get lots of fresh produce, & dehydrate it for use during the winter months, to ensure we're also getting lots that hasn't been irradiated?
& fast lots.
& cut waaaaay down on nuts.
*sigh*

~Anastazia~

[walnutty]

rawmonkey,

Which type almonds do you buy? I see two types that are 10 lb. bulk with free shipping. Thanks!

[Eva]

That actually looks to be a fantastic source for raw nuts... They have almonds, pecans, walnuts that are raw and unpasteurized by the pound. The price for bulk and small amounts really isn't very different! :)

[Rubyred]

Not to bash TJ's, but a note off of that...I quite buying produce there last year because everytime I did it would go bad SO fast. I would buy it at the store looking perfect but within days it would mold :mad: I purchased from three different TJ's with the same result!

I've had the same experience with TJ produce; it seems to go bad more quickly. But I was wondering, if it has been irradiated, wouldn't it last much longer? From what I've read about irradiation it prolongs the life of foods, so I can't figure why it would go bad much more quickly. :confused: Also, if food is labeled organic, can it be irradiated?


Hi Everyone,

I have been purchasing my nuts from a family run business in California. Here is the link to Almonds from California (http://www.wholesale-almonds.com/#Do%20you%20%E2%80%9Cprocess%E2%80%9D%20your%20Alm onds)'s information page. After you read how their almonds can still be raw, scroll to the top of the page for the link to their store. They sell almonds (several varieties including organic), walnuts, pecans, and a few other nuts. Right now they are offering free shipping on their 10lb bulk box of this season's almonds. We LOVE these almonds; they make those I used to buy from Whole Foods taste like cardboard. The delicate almond flavor makes almond milk heavenly . The family that owns these groves is very friendly and will respond to any emails very quickly; they also ship VERY fast. I have never been disappointed.

Hope this helps :) ,

Christina

Christina, I have purchased from CA Almonds twice already. I ordered almonds, walnuts and pecans. The walnuts & pecans are to die for because they are so fresh. They came packed in vacuumed bags with directions to store at cool temps. That tells me they store them properly after they're harvested so they stay fresh. I think I paid about $16 in shipping for 5 lbs of almonds, 7 lbs of walnuts and 3 lbs of pecans.

[VeggieMel]

Thanks for the tip, rawmonkey. I ordered 10 pounds from them today with free shipping! I'm going to sprout and dehydrate them.

[rawmonkey]

So glad there is a way to buy affordable, raw nuts. I am also in the process of contacting another online nut company to verify their "rawness" :) . If it pans out I will pass on the information...as they sell raw macs :p AND build it yourself gift baskets :D (How wonderful would that be to receive a gift of assorted raw nuts? YUMMY).


rawmonkey,

Which type almonds do you buy? I see two types that are 10 lb. bulk with free shipping. Thanks!

Walnutty, Just in case others were wondering, our family orders the California nonpareil almonds with free shipping.


Hope to post soon with good news of another site with raw almonds.
Until then...live every moment to the fullest ;)

Christina

[HydroRaw]

Another extremely satisfied customer! The almonds are to die for -- very fresh.


Hi Everyone,

I have been purchasing my nuts from a family run business in California. Here is the link to Almonds from California (http://www.wholesale-almonds.com/#Do%20you%20%E2%80%9Cprocess%E2%80%9D%20your%20Alm onds)'s information page. After you read how their almonds can still be raw, scroll to the top of the page for the link to their store. They sell almonds (several varieties including organic), walnuts, pecans, and a few other nuts. Right now they are offering free shipping on their 10lb bulk box of this season's almonds. We LOVE these almonds; they make those I used to buy from Whole Foods taste like cardboard :D. The delicate almond flavor makes almond milk heavenly :p . The family that owns these groves is very friendly and will respond to any emails very quickly; they also ship VERY fast. I have never been disappointed.

Hope this helps :) ,

Christina

[rawmonkey]

Okay Everyone,

I just heard back from Nuts Online (http://www.nutsonline.com/search_results.html?q=raw+nuts&x=0&y=0) and David said that all their advertised "raw nuts" are not pasteurized, chemically treated, or heated above 110 degrees F. The link is directly to their listing of raw nuts (shelled almonds are not there only whole almonds). This too is a multi-generational family run business. I am so excited to put my mom's birthday raw nut basket together :D .

Enjoy!

Christina

[baskar20]

Hi VeggieMel,

I am new to raw foods and this is my first post here. May I request you to let me know how to sprout and dehydrate the almonds. In that case, will it increase the shelf life and will the nutrients be saved for long duration?

Please let me know.

If others know it, please let me know how to do that. Sorry . This may be a basic question here but I am new to this.

Thanks,

Baskar

[susanwilson]

hello, I was wondering about raw popcorn if anyone you know or you has a recipe for a popcorn substitue someone told me about dehydrated caluiflower but I dont know about this do you have any info.
Susan
healthenut@sympatico.ca

[bfllover]

stole this from an earlier post I got this in a newsletter from rawguru Alex Malinsky
Raw Popcorn by Alex Malinsky
2 c cauliflower (broken up like popcorn)
Sea salt
3 shakes Dulse flakes

marinate 2 hrs

"Butter"
1/2 c cashew or almond butter
2 T lemon juice
1/2 c water
1 T agave nectar
Sea salt

Mix this "butter topping" with the "popcorn" and lay out these pieces on teflex sheets ready to be dehydrated.
dry min 8 hrs. or until soft.

havent tried it yet though. it sounds yummy
Reply With Quote

[Blazin'Jane]

There are soem good mail order places for buying raw nuts. I've started buyin g from rawfromthe farm. They are a very kind group there and swear to the rawness of their products.

[kaybee]

almonds-from-california really is good too. free shipping too.

[rawfoodmommy#1]

sorry, but I am going back to the Trader Joe's raw almond butter issue. I usually buy my raw almond butter from them but recently I noticed that there was something wrong with their raw almond butter, it tasted like roasted and cooked,now I know that it is now raw and will not buy there any more.
Thank you for letting us know about the Trader Joes

[missvitreous]

Too bad! I also just emailed a company (Tierra Farm) to ask about their cashews that are sold at my local HFS. Their reply: "Our cashews are steamed for a few minutes but our producer says they are steamed at below the raw threshold temperature. The dried fruit are typically put into dehydration tunnels and those reach temperatures above the raw threshold. Thank you for your interest, I hope you will find some items that are suitable for your diet."

Just posting for those who are curious.

[Tropigal]

FYI "TJ's" brand almond butter is actually made by MARANATHA.
nothing is made by TJ's.
everyhting is made by another company with TJ's name on the package.
we should take this up with Maranatha!

[Riiiya]

well BOO i just came back from Chicago with TJ almond butter and some cashews, pine nuts, sunflower seeds. Now, would the last two be "raw"?

This all really pisses me off but I'm still gonna eat my almond butter and soak my cashews for the awesome recipes i'll make from RAWvolution (which i just purchased).. oh well- next time i'll try the online sources :)

[kryoyogi]

hi ,

i am just as shocked as you.! but you can find truly raw and organic nuts with good prices at either jaffe bros or sun organic farms in escondido, where they can ship them. i am looking for a local place in orange county, in case you happen to know of one.

thanks!
Jay
714 605 6866
call me if you have any questions
:)

[Luda in Georgia]

I agee with the emotions of all of you regarding TJ's, WFM and the issues of transparency...but think about this...

Other than spending a lot of money on the products, have you been feeling any adverse affects either nuitritionally or vibrationally after eating the raw diet for the past months/years?

If we buy into the fear based emotions, think how that translates while preparing our healthy meals...we transfer virbrations of the emotions we feel while preparing the foods.

There may be some behind the scenes goings on with how our "live" foods make it to the display cases, but just imagine now what goes on exactly with "dead" "foods"...now there's an oxymoron!...

We all have the capability to grow our own, whether we have a plot of land, containers on our window sills, or co-op with others and THAT'S the really good news. I share/trade with others who grow organically...even before I began the raw lifestyle.

For every challenge we face, opportunities are for he taking. Empower yourself with the knowledge that only you can make the choices on how you wish to eat! ;)

[wendypape]

I purchase all my nuts and seeds from www.realrawfood.com in BC. they are organic and unpasteuized=straight from the growers. Wonderful family, I buy in bulk- almonds are fantastic...as is everything else they have.

wendy

[Tchay]

Hey everyone! I just called a Trader Joe's out here in CA to discuss the issue of raw almonds.

The Manager contacted their food department (not an official name) and she said that their "Raw Valencia Almonds" are ACTUALLY raw. Now this contradicts what one of the previous posts on this discussion said (that TJ pasteurizes ALL of their nuts). I made sure to clarify what she was saying and she affirmed that the valencia almonds were NOT pasteurized and were 100% raw....

Is she lying to me???

[skier2]

Could be, but then again, Valencia is in Spain, and Spanish almonds are typically raw. I would avoid TJ's nuts anyway--they are iffy.

[EarthMama33]

Hey everyone! I just called a Trader Joe's out here in CA to discuss the issue of raw almonds.

The Manager contacted their food department (not an official name) and she said that their "Raw Valencia Almonds" are ACTUALLY raw. Now this contradicts what one of the previous posts on this discussion said (that TJ pasteurizes ALL of their nuts). I made sure to clarify what she was saying and she affirmed that the valencia almonds were NOT pasteurized and were 100% raw....

Is she lying to me???

Couldn't you test their "rawness" by sprouting them? If they sprout, they are raw. If they rot, they aren't raw. Right?

I have read that *some* pasteurized almonds sprout depending on the way they are pasteurized. So I would imagine that experiments could be conducted with "raw" almonds, "raw" sunflower seeds and other stuff that we are unsure of.

Nicole

[wendypape]

good point! I just tried to sprout millet that I did not think was heat treated- it has sprouted before from this source....hmmmmmm

wendy

[wendypape]

oops, sorry...I forgot to say it did NOT sprout at all ;-(

[joyce09]

All of the raw produce that they (TJ's) stock, unless it comes from Arizona, which is where I live and shop at TJ's, is irradiated. The raw, organc spinach I purchase by the ton is brought in from Mexico, so it's irradiated?. Yes, he states, it is irradiated.

He next stated that if people really knew what happens to their so called "raw" they would not be able to call themselves raw vegans.

He then pointed out that the only way to know for sure that you are eating raw and organic is to grow it yourself. The U.S. government allows stores to do whatever is necessary to raw produce, nuts, etc. to make the product safe and the stores are still allowed to call it raw.

DISGUSTING!!!

So, the next time I went to Whole Foods Market I asked the produce guy about irradiation and he claims that WFM does not irradiate any of their produce, BUT all citrus is sprayed with fungacide! So the organic citrus that I have been paying outrageous prices for is sprayed with fungacide. LOVELY!!!

Just wanted to share that info with you....

Sorry I want to bring back the subject of irradiation. What does irradiation do to produce? Is it harmful to health? I have been buying organic produce from a Vitamin Village shop and I think most of their organic produce is from Mexico.