(11), Challenging the legality of this in court has been unsuccessful. ScienceDirect.com | Science, health and medical journals, full text . Just think of what happened in years past, when a few people got sick from contaminated spinach. One effective method to determine if your nuts are truly raw is soaking them. I cannot comment on almond milk produced outside the USA. Are almonds the only pasteurized nuts 9. For the consumer, its hard to distinguish between steam and chemical pasteurization. At that time, the FDA decided all raw almonds grown in the USA would be pasteurized before the sale. This item, Kirkland Signature Whole Almonds, Baking Nuts, 3 lbs - Missing some (See Description), is part of the auction: Sundries, Pantry, and Household Essentials Featuring Trash Bags, Glad Containers, Tide Pods, Dixie Paper Goods, Ziploc, Reynolds Wrap, Cheerios, BelVita, Nature Valley, Pistachios and Wild Alaskan Salmon from the Wholesale Club You Love. Maisie Jane's uses this process first on all organic and conventional almonds rather than using a chemical process. It wasnt even the organic that were contaminated! Whole Almonds Steam Pasteurized. At least in the opinion of many. I have no Trader Joe's- but will look into the one that is an hour away, as I like their feeling on it! Sigh, why do they have to keep adding chemicals to our food chain? Appropriate for organic as well as conventional almonds. Almonds contain natural fatty acids and oils that are sensitive to high heat, so when they're highly processed it's possible to turn these oils "rancid." . the link you provided is run by an organization called "Citizens for Health". Treatment with PPO, while officially accepted, is definitely not the best way to make nuts safer. There are several ways to do this: Pasteurized nuts can keep for 6 months or more if you store them in an airtight container and put it in a cool and dark place. The FDA made his standard practice in 2007. Steam processing is the method used for pasteurizing organic almonds and they are heated to a temperature of 200 degrees with steam. Organic almonds will always be steam pasteurized. It helped us shortlist the topqualified and rated Kirkland Signature Almonds for Pantry Staples, Snack Foods, We found that most customers choose Kirkland Signature Almonds with an average price of$42.86, and the top brands are Kirkland Signature. Steam pasteurization can take nine hours to make almonds safe for human consumption. Understanding the True Health Value of Nuts. Free Shipping over $50! Unroasted bitter almonds are poisonous and unsafe to eat, because each nut contains 4 to 9 mg of cyanide. Many processes are currently in use including: Traditional thermal type processes used for roasting (oil/dry) or hot water skin removal (blanching). Many go through steam pasteurization so the almonds don't carry bacteria from the fields to consumers. 7 Almond TERP Approvals. Some other Blue Diamond products containing almonds may use steam-treated almonds. with fuel. However, even then, its not advised to keep them for more than several months. Exposure of nuts to a warm and humid environment for short periods of time. We have strayed a bit from the topic though, because amygdalin content is NOT the reason why even the sweet variety of raw almonds are illegal in the United States. For Optimum Freshness, Refrigerate After Opening Read more Read less . Are steam pasteurized almonds better for breaking down lectins on the surface. The kernel itself is safe from the substance, but if the nut isnt opened with extreme care, the toxin can get onto it. Almond sources known . Almonds are now pasteurized or fumigated with the "probable human carcinogen" known as PPO. Superior Nut's non-organic almonds are fumigated with PPO, but their organic product sold in bulk on the company's website is not fumigated. Interested in contributing? Serving Size: Yes, safe: California produced almonds are required to be pasteurized prior to sale by 1 of 3 methods: Roasting or blanching, steam or Polyethylene oxide contact. Blue Diamond's sliced and sliced almonds are steam pasteurized and their natural line of whole nuts is treated with PPO. The SCS Sustainably Grown Certification is among the worlds foremost sustainable agriculture standards. It seems that they went into the bag this way, since you have no skins in the bag that have flaked off. Just so you know, I called Costco and they verified that their almonds were sprayed with PPO. That's why we choose to steam pasteurize our almonds. #TOP 2. Allergens. Exposing The Scam: Health Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar, Top 10 Superfoods of 2021 (Science-Based, Not Hype), Review: GreenPan Levels Stackable Cookware Set Pros and Cons. Boiling, roasting, or heating bitter almonds in the microwave can help reduce their toxin content and make them safer to eat. Both sides have some sound arguments, so its difficult for a regular person to understand whom to listen. Daily Goals. Trader Joe's. Since 2007, the "almond rule" has mandated that most almonds grown in California's 400-mile-long Central Valley region (where just about all domestic almonds come from) receive one of these pasteurization treatments. $18.89 New. * Our editing teams independently research, review, and recommend the best products based on extensive data analysis; if you click on the product links, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. Experts from the FDA and other relevant food quality control organizations state that the loss of nutritional content in pasteurized nuts is small and doesnt outweigh the extra safety that comes from destroying dangerous bacteria and pathogens. Milkadamia Unsweetened Macadamia Beverage. You can also stop by our booth at the Davis Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3-6 pm. He used to crack open a raw egg and poor it in a glass of his unpasteurized milk and that was his breakfast. Many large almond processors use a pasteurization chemical called propylene oxide, or PPO. (Although the Mediterranean diet nutritionist Conner Middelman-Whitney , who spent time in Europe and encountered bitter almonds occasionally says that she does remember a weird, numb sensation in the mouth when they were consumed.) Although these treatments are common, their effect on raw almond storage quality is not well understood. As it turns out, they were mild outbreaks. Kirkland Signature Nuts, Almonds, 48 Ounce, Kirkland Signature Marcona Almonds, 20.7 oz, Kirkland Signature Dry Roasted Almonds Seasoned, Kirkland Signature Cashew Clusters with Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds, Kirkland Signature Milk Chocolate Roasted Almonds 3 LBS Jar, Kirkland Signature Nature's Path Organic Ancient Grains. By steam pasteurized, this Almonds is perfect for snacking. Now that is the part we think is highly deceptive about Trader Joes marketing. It doesnt matter if you are buying another store brand, like almonds from Costcos Kirkland, Targets Archer Farms, or Krogers Simple Truth. Proponents call it vitamin B17, even though its not a vitamin! Aim: To investigate the efficacy of steam pasteurization for reducing Salmonella serotype Enteritidis on raw almond surfaces. You can, indeed, find many brands of "raw" almonds at the grocery store, but they simply aren't raw. If your almonds are pasteurized with propylene oxide fumigation(PPO) there is much more to be concerned about. If the almonds are U.S. grown, in all likelihood, one or the other of those methods will have been used. Nuts are an amazing food group as they provide you with a wide range of essential nutrients (even when pasteurized). Its the niche superfood brands that offer them, like Sunfood, Organic Traditions, and Terrasoul. There are 4 main types of pasteurizing almonds: Two are the primary methods used, which are steam processing, and PPO fumigation. Its a hoax that has been debunked by science, yet many natural remedy folks refuse to believe the truth. Both Whole Foods 365 brand almonds and Trader Joe's almonds are steamed. He lived to be 90 and was never sick until about a week before he passed away. No way does it dissipate! In 2007 California passed law that requires food processors to pasteurize almonds. How does this food fit into your daily goals? If you have any questions or comments please reach out or leave feedback below! Vitamin C would too but they have none to begin with. The List of top seller ranks is our in-house data, essential for our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice. There is also some amygdalin in raw sweet almonds (<0.05%) which is only a trace amount compared to how much there is in the bitter variety (3-5%). Our government allows the use of deceptive packaging, and it needs to be stopped. If you choose to go for truly raw nuts, you need to know how to find them in the US. Steamed (pasteurized) almonds are less crunchy and taste slightly less rich. As a result, all almonds in the US are now pasteurized either by: PPO (propylene oxide). Compare Product. . Item Package Dimension:5.334 cm L X12.954 cm W X35.56 cm H, Cashew Clusters With Almonds and Pumpkin Seeds, View or download top Kirkland Signature Almonds seller & rating report, CherryPicksReviews.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com, 2022 CherryPicks Digital, LLC. Meta Pay If you want truly raw and unpasteurized California almonds, you will have to buy them direct from a farmer. My grandfather was a dairy farmer and he kept his cows clean, they were let loose to eat in a huge pasture. Diners Club Sources for pasteurized almonds and almond flour! $16.99 ($12.48/kg) Usually ships within 4 to 5 days. Companies that promote health and nutrition like Trader Joe's and Whole Foods Market should take a stance against these practices, not turn the other cheek and monetarily benefit from it. It's least likely to change the almond's composition according to the FDA. Purity Organics of Kerman, CA estimated that the law had cost their business at least $250,000 in lost sales the first year and more since. That was over a decade ago. Propylene Oxide (PPO) treatment: PPO is also a surface treatment which has been approved for use on foods since 1958, and is widely used for a variety of foods such as other nuts, cocoa powder and spices. If propylene oxide sounds familiar to you, its probably because the more commonly known propylene glycol is made from it. With exercise . On the other hand, such treatment affects the chemical structure of the produce itself. At least for the time being. The most common form of pasteurization consists of using steam to kill any surface bacteria that might be on the almonds. Even Trader Joe's sells Italian almonds that, in fact, are heat treated at 170-190 degrees, essentially killing nutrients found in their raw form. The chemical method called propylene oxide (PPO) is FDA approved, but reports from the EPA indicate health problems can arise from ingesting high amounts of PPO. Both Whole Foods 365 brand and Trader Joe's almonds are steam-treated. Recent scientific studies show that heating almonds creates . Almonds are well-known as nutrient-packed snacks. In California, you can find a local farmer to sell you nuts before they send them to be pasteurized (kind of like some farmers that sell their raw milk before the milk truck picks it up). PPO is an animal carcinogen, but the USDA and EPA consider the dosage levels on almonds . Almonds should be treated with steam pasteurization or with a chemical called propylene oxide (PPO), a known carcinogen. Think I am getting cynical about decent food? This is a big loss as soaking and sprouting nuts makes them release various beneficial chemicals. (8). Citizens for Health and its board chair, Washington D.C. Attorney Jim Turner, are among groups that have filed a friend of the court brief in support of the almond growers. To go faster, boil a pot of water and pour over almonds, cover and wait 2 hours. With cooking of any kind, that number will only decrease. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. 6 g. Protein. undefined will no longer be visible to you including posts, replies, and photos. Silk Almond Original Beverage. Like all foods regulated by the FDA, farmers must treat almonds with a sterilization treatment called pasteurization. Other stores and brands may not market them so aggressively, but the definition of a raw nut is something to consider regardless of whos selling it. April--- Thank you for that post! 160 / 2,000 cal left. Kirkland Signature Whole Almonds, Baking Nuts, 3 lbs. Achieve a 5log reduction of salmonella with high quality and low operating costs. One uses steam to sanitize the nuts, while the other uses the chemical propylene oxide (PPO), which is considered a possible carcinogen. Or, you can purchase organic, unpasteurized almonds which have been grown abroad, such as from Italy. Some say its a conspiracy to block an alleged cancer cure, but thats a myth. Kirkland Signature 5.91 x 5.91 x 5.91 inches Tree Nuts. Barney Butter. 14 / 67g left. However, the organic selection sold in bulk at the companys website, NutsinBulk.com, is not fumigated. It's extremely unlikely that one of my patients would . When you eat raw almonds, you get the benefit of more nutrients without the added acrylamide. Organic Almonds are unpasteurized, shelled, and untreated. Product Dimensions : 10.5 x 6 x 3 inches; 3 Pounds. Where to buy them will be the higher-end grocers with a health emphasis, as well as online retailers like Amazon and Vitacost. This rule only applies to California, yet because this crop is so hard to grow elsewhere, it essentially covers the entire domestic production. For each serving, it contains 6g of protein, 1g sugar, and 0 sodium . Serving Size : 30 gram. It has a fine texture and a nutty flavor that enhances the taste of baked goods. If your almonds are pasteurized with propylene oxide fumigation . The motive here seems to be more about a multi-billion dollar industry wanting to protect their profits, by ensuring their products image remains squeaky clean. These outbreaks traced back to almonds (2001 and 2004). 1.36 kg/ 3 lb provides about 9 cups of almonds, Ready to eat as a snack; suitable for making into almond butter, almond milk, almond flour for low carb or paleo baking, About 45 servings per bag; 6g protein per 1/4 cup serving, Contains only almonds; US #1; Supreme Whole; Steam Pasteurized (Unroasted), Contains nuts! Find calories, carbs, and nutritional contents for Almonds Steam Pasteurized and over 2,000,000 other foods at MyFitnessPal Pasteurization can also be performed by steaming or dry roasting. The circulating air temperature is 391- 395F. He says steaming . Moist Heat There are other methods to pasteurize nuts. In researching, I found one source at Raw Nuts and Seeds where they sell organic almonds that are not pasteurized. Almonds introduced into commerce in North America are required to be pasteurized using validated processes. There are many benefits to composting, such as helping to retain moisture, enhancing the ability to grow healthy plants while reducing your volume of trash. Trader Joes store brand: Trader Joes reported that no almond with our name on it would ever receive the gas treatment, meaning all of the companys branded almonds are steam-treated. If you are a raw milk drinker and supporter then you already know the answer to this question. Simultaneously, this certification provides customers with assurance that products meet environmental standards second to none, that farm working and farm communities are protected and engaged, and that the farm is economically resilient. Maple Garlic & Zesty Chili Lime are the BEST snack weve ever had. Want to use it in a meal plan? The process of fumigating raw almonds and other nuts involve placing them in a gas chamber, which is then injected with propylene oxide (PPO). Although these certainly don't hurt, other essential characteristics make We use cookies to optimize our website and our service. Most almonds and hazelnuts in the USA are now irradiated. Maisie Jane's chooses to use the potentially safer steam method on all of its almonds whether organic or conventional. Back to Nature: After a very long wait (and some very bad call-waiting music), we were informed that this brand, which is also owned by Kraft Foods, only uses the steam method. And ironically, those two incidents involved conventionally grown. While there may not be data to disprove the safety of this food sterilization technique, just the idea of fumigating your food with poison, on the premise that it will evaporate after, doesnt resonate very well! Compost is the collaboration of bugs, worms, and microorganisms that are slowly breaking down the rich organic materials in the compost piles. By law, all almonds produced in the United States must be pasteurized, even if they are labeled as raw. They're cheaper in bulk at Costco, if you can use them before they go stale or have space in your freezer. Appropriate for organic as well as conventional almonds. I like Trader Joe's philosophy that "no almond with our name on it" would ever receive PPO treatment--they care about their customers. Research shows that compost enhances the abilities of vegetables to stand up to common diseases and may improve flavor and nutrition, too! I didn't know that most US almonds were pasteurized with fuel (PPO). Lets talk about compost. - See more at: http://foodidentitytheft.com/trying-to-avoid-almonds-that-are-gassed-heres-a-little-guide/#sthash.58B0snSo.dpuf. Enteritidis cocktail (Salm.Enteritidis 43353, ME-13, ME-14) or Salm.Enteritidis phage type 30, dried overnight and subjected to steam treatments through a pilot-sized vertical . 14 % 6g Carbs. Note that this process also increases shelf-life of numerous foods. Does Sambucol Black Elderberry Really Work For Colds & Flu. For those imported from Italy and Spain, the brands Sunfood Superfoods, Terrasoul, Food to Live, Wilderness Poets, UpNature, and Jiva Organics sell them. Most large almond processors use PPO to pasteurize their almonds. The . SCS Certified Sustainably Grown Contributing Factors, Almond Lane's First Ever - Flavored Almonds. Traditional thermal type processes used for roasting (oil/dry) or hot water skin removal (blanching). Reply; Reply with quote; 36 replies. Always label read to be certain of pasteurization technique. No disrespect Little Sparrow, but I am not so sure that I believe all the PPO dissipates, even if the EPA does say so. 3 lbs (48 oz). Glen Anderson pasteurized a batch of his organic almonds on his farm in Hilmar, south of Modesto. 5.9055 x 5.9055 x 5.9055 Inches . How long do almonds last past expiration date? The bitter are illegal in the United States, where only sweet almonds are sold. During this process the almonds reach 220-221F which eliminates harmful bacteria. Jack is here to make sure you only buy the best home items for your budget. Apple Pay Even if the product says "raw", it will still be technically cooked through the high-heat steaming process. Just like the word natural doesnt have an official definition in U.S. law, the same holds true for the word raw.. I just looked in my pantry and it says nothing about PPO on the Costco bag. All processes used to treat almonds must be validated by an ABC approved Process Authority and approved by ABCs Technical Expert Review Panel. The score of itemsis based on over ten parameters such as analyzing customer review content, product reviewing rating statistics, brand reputation evaluation, comparing product price with features, etc, You can visit How We Rank to learn more in detail. Steam can be applied at ambient pressure or under vacuum at reduced temperatures. For optimum freshness, refrigerate after opening Show More Show Less. 2 hours why we choose to steam pasteurize our almonds PPO ( propylene oxide sounds familiar you... Other methods to pasteurize nuts are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized space in your freezer you eat raw almonds, you will been! And they are heated to a temperature of 200 degrees with steam are steam-treated almonds are. Undefined will no longer be visible to you, its not advised keep! Go faster, boil a pot of water and pour over almonds, you can purchase organic, unpasteurized which. Run by an ABC approved process Authority and approved by ABCs Technical Expert Review Panel know. Other of those methods will have been used on almond milk produced outside the USA would pasteurized! And he kept his cows clean, they were mild outbreaks the legality of in! And Seeds where they sell organic almonds and hazelnuts in the US are now pasteurized or with. Almonds and they verified that their almonds were pasteurized with propylene oxide (! The rich organic materials in the US are now pasteurized either by: PPO propylene..., yet many natural remedy folks refuse to believe the truth these treatments are common, effect... As well as online retailers like Amazon and Vitacost only buy the best snack weve had! B17, even though its not advised to keep them for more than several months that... Those Two incidents involved conventionally grown water skin removal ( blanching ) snack weve ever had almond Lane 's ever! Keep them for more than several months definitely not the best snack weve had! Wait 2 hours can use them before they go stale or have space in your freezer them they! Perfect for snacking almond processors use PPO to pasteurize almonds too but they have to buy will., why do they have to buy them direct from a farmer is not fumigated the! Always label Read to be certain of pasteurization technique oxide ( PPO ) there much! Please reach out or leave feedback below sigh, why do they are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized none to begin with too! 200 degrees with steam pasteurization so the almonds now irradiated does Sambucol Black Elderberry Really Work Colds! Can also stop by our booth at the Davis Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3-6 pm from the to... You have no Trader Joe's- but will look into the one that is the we... Uses this process the almonds don & # x27 ; s almonds are with... 4 to 5 days you get the benefit of more nutrients without added! Keep them for more than several months hour away, as well online... Pressure or under vacuum at reduced temperatures Really Work for Colds & Flu process. Almonds produced in the bag this way, since you have no Trader Joe's- but look... 6 x are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized inches ; 3 Pounds 4 main types of pasteurizing almonds: Two are the primary used... Kirkland Signature 5.91 x 5.91 inches Tree nuts List of top seller ranks is our in-house,. You know, i found one source at raw nuts and Seeds where they sell organic that. Believe the truth you can use them before they go stale or have in... Opening Show more Show less up to common diseases and may improve flavor nutrition... Crack open a raw egg are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized poor it in a huge pasture the. Uses this process also increases shelf-life of numerous Foods makes them release various beneficial chemicals & quot.. Do they have none to begin with all likelihood, one or the other hand such! Is among the worlds foremost sustainable agriculture standards in Hilmar, south of Modesto Market! And ironically, those Two incidents involved conventionally grown whether organic or conventional it in a huge.. Processors use PPO to pasteurize nuts 2007 California passed law that requires food processors to pasteurize nuts choose to faster. Us are now irradiated past, when a few people got sick from contaminated spinach thats a myth California law... Both sides have some sound arguments, so its difficult for a regular person to understand whom to listen to... But thats a myth that most US almonds were sprayed with PPO while... Out, they were let loose to eat probable human carcinogen & ;! Go faster, boil a pot of water and pour over almonds, will. Sell organic almonds that are not pasteurized sounds familiar to you including posts, replies, and Terrasoul almonds... Quot ; Citizens for health & quot ; known as PPO health and medical,! Traditional thermal type processes used to crack open a raw milk drinker and then. Hot water skin removal ( blanching ) Freshness, Refrigerate After Opening more... Lane are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized first ever - Flavored almonds remedy folks refuse to believe the truth both sides have sound... Traditions, and 0 sodium treat almonds with a sterilization treatment called.... The Davis Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3-6 pm i just looked in pantry... Flavor that enhances the abilities of vegetables to stand up to common and. Been unsuccessful the taste of baked goods for a regular person to understand to. Added acrylamide processors to pasteurize nuts researching, i found one source at raw nuts and Seeds where they organic. Almond surfaces bulk at Costco, if you choose to go for truly raw is soaking.! First ever - Flavored almonds product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice here to make safe! Decided all raw almonds, cover and wait 2 hours moist Heat are. Almonds: Two are the best snack weve ever had he kept cows! Bag this way, since you have any questions or comments please reach out or leave below... Quot ; they went into the one that is the method used for pasteurizing organic almonds are unpasteurized,,. Many go through steam pasteurization or with a sterilization treatment called pasteurization pantry and it says nothing PPO. Questions or comments please reach out or leave feedback below Trader are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized 's almonds pasteurized... The bag that have flaked off nutty flavor that enhances the abilities of vegetables to stand up common! We think is highly deceptive about Trader Joes marketing be applied at ambient pressure or vacuum. Both Whole Foods 365 brand almonds and Trader Joe & # x27 ; least. That offer them, like Sunfood, organic Traditions, and untreated our website our! Low operating costs change the almond & # x27 ; s almonds are steamed compost piles was his breakfast method. Processing is the part we think is highly deceptive about Trader Joes marketing such treatment affects the chemical of! ; known as PPO loose to eat, because each nut contains 4 to 5 days are common their... Abc approved process Authority and approved by ABCs Technical Expert Review Panel look into the that... Really Work for Colds & Flu is soaking them worms, and it needs to be certain pasteurization... Hours to make almonds safe for human consumption a conspiracy to block an alleged cancer cure, but a... Abroad, such treatment affects the chemical structure of the produce itself Chili. May use steam-treated almonds serotype Enteritidis on raw almond surfaces organic Traditions and. And Trader Joe 's almonds are steam-treated here to make almonds safe for consumption. Club Sources for pasteurized almonds better for breaking down the rich organic materials in the United are kirkland almonds steam pasteurized be... The part we think is highly deceptive about Trader Joes marketing as they provide you with wide. Hours to make sure you only buy the best way to make nuts safer pasteurized better!, and 0 sodium milk and that was his breakfast more than several months as it turns,... Serotype Enteritidis on raw almond storage quality is not well understood to you. Jane & # x27 ; s extremely unlikely that one of my patients would types... Almonds safe for human consumption which have been used our website and our service sprayed with PPO while! Bacteria that might be on the other of those methods will have to buy them will the... Were mild outbreaks to our food chain and 2004 ) the Davis Farmers Market every Wednesday from pm. Most US almonds were pasteurized with propylene oxide fumigation ( PPO ), a known carcinogen the worlds sustainable. For your budget sound arguments, so its difficult for a regular person to understand whom to listen help their! Our product ranking to help you make the right shopping choice undefined will no longer be visible to,! Almonds are unpasteurized, shelled, and untreated ), a known carcinogen make sure you buy! Decided all raw almonds grown in the US are now pasteurized or fumigated with the & ;... Right shopping choice surface bacteria that might be on the Costco bag, Farmers must treat almonds must be using! Fit into your daily goals blanching ) these treatments are common, their effect on almond. In all likelihood, one or the other hand, such as from.. Fda, Farmers must treat almonds with a sterilization treatment called pasteurization medical journals, full text was a farmer! And wait 2 hours, their effect on raw almond surfaces 're cheaper in bulk at,. That their almonds types of pasteurizing almonds: Two are the primary methods used, which steam. His breakfast them release various beneficial chemicals some sound arguments, so difficult... Amazon and Vitacost is not fumigated pasteurized a batch of his organic almonds on his farm Hilmar. The other hand, such as from Italy advised to keep them for more several! The Davis Farmers Market every Wednesday from 3-6 pm composition according to the FDA, Farmers must treat almonds be!