raw nuts a scam?

[NFrawRUNNER]

So, the nuts sold in the store packaged (ie "diamond" brand, etc...) are sold next to "raw almonds" and they LOOK identical. The diamond brand don't say they are roasted or anything so what is the difference My husband says they are both raw so does that mean the raw nuts are just an advertising scam because all nuts are sold "raw" unless indicated as roasted? I just want clarification/ justification for spending twice as much on raw nuts!!! Thanks!

[Lay-Lay]

I dunno, but I only buy them if they say "RAW".

[Autumn]

Are you referring to shelled or unshelled nuts? The shelled nuts sold in most packaged brands in the grocery store have been heated in the shelling process.

[NFrawRUNNER]

shelled nuts.....So, is it just a known fact that I of course didn't know that they must be heated to remove the shell? If so, how are shelled"raw nuts" shelled without heat?

[Forever Young]

shelled nuts.....So, is it just a known fact that I of course didn't know that they must be heated to remove the shell? If so, how are shelled"raw nuts" shelled without heat?

The only way you know for sure is to email the company and ask them yourself, we have done this quite a few times when we want to know the details. They always respond back.

[Veganforlife]

Check this out: It's only about cashews though...
http://www.living-foods.com/articles/rawcashew.html

Plus I agree - e-mail or call the company. That way you'll know for sure. I don't buy any that don't say RAW somewhere on the packaging.

[rawfigure]

I found thru research that Raw Nuts are NOT nessecarily Raw unless you can verify it with the Company. Diamond type almonds are called Natural Almonds and they are pasturized, Raw Almonds usually are too. Baugher Organic Raw Almonds from California are not pasturized. I verified it with them. The Raw Almonds at Wegmans are Pasturized. I found some new pasturization is chemical and not always heat... and most nuts in the shell (like those at Wegmans, do you have Wegmans there yet ?) are also heated and pasturized. finding Raw Nuts in the Shell can be a challenge too.
http://www.bro-almonds.com/products.php

[Sharon in Colorado]

If you really want to be sure, try soaking and sprouting the nut. This will work for most nuts except for walnuts and pecans, and maybe brazils.

More info:

http://www.rawfoods.com/articles/nuts.html

[NFrawRUNNER]

The only way you know for sure is to email the company and ask them yourself, we have done this quite a few times when we want to know the details. They always respond back.

great idea! thanks!

[Sheryl]

Like for sesame seeds even... we just found out that it's MANDATORY that all whole sesame seeds are treated on entry to Australia to a certain period of very high heat. So there are technically no raw sesame seeds in all of Australia unless you manage to find Australian seeds!!

In the push to mass produce food (both for safety reason and production reasons) high heat and chemicals are often used. The trick is to find people that don't use them! Often that means a specialized company, and a slightly higher price. The quality difference is exceptional though (just try really raw cashews and compare to regular raw cashews and you'll see what I mean).

Cheers,
Sheryl

[Lunar*Fey]

Sheryl,
thats so strange, my raw sesame seeds have sprouted...

[Sheryl]

It might not be the case in the USA... in Australia that's the case though...

[Doe]

Packaged shelled nuts have been steamed to kill the enzymes and then dried. This is for the purpose of keeping them from going rancid in the warehouses and on the store shelf. Once raw nuts are shelled they must be eaten fairly quickly or frozen.

The labeling is deceptive in simply saying "shelled pecans" or walnuts. According to law in the US shelled nout that are raw must be labled "raw". This is to protect people from getting raw by mistake. Therefore if the package or bin does not say "raw" the nuts are not.

Teri S

[NFrawRUNNER]

Packaged shelled nuts have been steamed to kill the enzymes and then dried. This is for the purpose of keeping them from going rancid in the warehouses and on the store shelf. Once raw nuts are shelled they must be eaten fairly quickly or frozen.

The labeling is deceptive in simply saying "shelled pecans" or walnuts. According to law in the US shelled nout that are raw must be labled "raw". This is to protect people from getting raw by mistake. Therefore if the package or bin does not say "raw" the nuts are not.

Teri S

Thank you....precisely the answer I was wondering about...thanks for the clarification! ;)

[Lunar*Fey]

This is good to know, thanks for the inquiry Di :)

And sorry sheryl, I misunderstood you and I didn't mean my previous statement to be mean in any way! sorry about that.