Almonds are an ancient food that has been written about in historical texts, including the Bible. Almonds were thought to have originated in regions in western Asia and North Africa. The Romans referred to almonds as the "Greek nut" in reference to the civilization suggested to have first cultivated them.

The almond that we think of as a nut is technically the seed of the fruit of the almond tree, a medium-size tree that bears fragrant pink and white flowers. Like its cousins, the peach, cherry and apricot trees, the almond tree bears fruits with stone-like seeds (or pits) within. The seed of the almond fruit is what we refer to as the almond nut.

New research on almonds adds to the growing evidence that eating whole foods is the best way to promote optimal health and whole almonds (with Skins) provide the most heart healthy benefits. This is because the flavonoids found in almond skins team up with the vitamin E found in their meat to more than double the antioxidant punch either delivers when administered separately.

Twenty potent antioxidant flavonoids have been identified in almond skins, some of which are well known as major contributors to the health benefits derived from other foods, such as the catechins found in green tea, and naringenin, which is found in grapefruit.

Research has found that, as part of a heart healthy eating plan, almonds can reduce C-reactive protein, a marker of artery-damaging inflammation, as much as statin drugs. In addition ounce for ounce, almonds are the one of the most nutritionally dense nuts. As well as providing an array of powerful flavonoids, almonds are among the richest sources of vitamin E in the diet. A one-ounce, 164-calorie serving of almonds, about a handful, is also a very good source of magnesium, copper, vitamin B2, vitamin E, manganese, and phosphorus, and delivers heart-healthy monounsaturated fat and other nutrients as well.

One-quarter cup of almonds contains about 18 grams of fat, most of it (11 grams) is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Almonds are high in monounsaturated fats, the same type of health-promoting fats as are found in olive oil, which have been associated with reduced risk of heart disease.

Almonds appear to not only decrease after-meal rises in blood sugar, but also provide antioxidants to mop up the smaller amounts of free radicals that still result. Further research shows that eating almonds along with a high glycemic index food significantly lowers the glycemic index of the meal and lessens the rise in blood sugar after eating.

Lessening after-meal surges in blood sugar helps protect against diabetes and cardiovascular disease, most likely by lessening the increase in cholesterol-damaging free radicals that accompanies large elevations in blood sugar. This is one reason why low glycemic index diets result in lower risk of diabetes and heart disease.

For the almond connoisseur, these are nonpareil supreme 18/20 raw California almonds, some of the finest out there. Fortunately, this delicately flavored and versatile almond is available throughout the year to make a healthy and tasty addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Some possible benefits of our Raw Almonds may include:

● Higher in protein than eggs
● Supporting healthy heart
● Helping to control mood swings
● Lowering the risk of weight gain
● Supporting healthy blood sugar levels
● Increasing your bodies energy production
● Reducing the development of gallstones
● Excellent source of healthy fats, fiber, & protein
● Containing nutrients important for brain health
● Supporting healthy cholesterol levels
● Reducing cravings for unhealthy foods
● Source of vitamins, minerals, & anti-oxidants
● Helping to stabilize blood sugar

Our California grown almonds are exposed to a brief steam puff, as required by law for all domestically grown almonds, in order to pasteurize and kill any bacteria on the outside of the almond. The steam puff only effects the exterior and the inside of the almond remains raw and unaffected so you can't tell the difference between a pasteurized or unpasteurized almond through this process.

You will find our California grown almonds have a smooth clean skin, are a little larger and more round, with a bit more crunch and a more mild flavor than our certified organic raw Spanish almonds. Our certified organic raw almonds from Spain tend to be a little softer, smaller, and more flat, with a hint of bitterness in their dusty brown scurfy skin. The differences, between the two types of almonds we carry, are not a matter of quality or freshness. They are simply different types of almonds with different natural characteristics.

Suggested Use: Eat by the handful or add to homemade trail mix.

Botanical Name: Prunus dulcis

Other Names: Sweet Almond, tonsil plum, Greek nuts, Jordan almonds, bitter almonds, bajame, amandel, almendra, ametlla, badem, mandle, mandel, pili, manteli, amandes, améndoa, zanmann, mandula, möndlu, badam, mandorla, mandeļu, migdolas, migdałowy, amêndoa, migdală, almendra, mlozi, almon

Origin: USA

Z Natural Foods strives to offer the highest quality organically grown, raw, vegan, gluten free, non-GMO products available and exclusively uses low temperature drying techniques to preserve all the vital enzymes and nutrients. Our Raw Almonds pass our strict quality assurance which includes testing for botanical identity, heavy metals, chemicals and microbiological contaminants. ZNaturalFoods.com offers Raw Almonds packaged in airtight stand-up, resealable foil pouches for optimum freshness. Once opened, just push the air out of the pouch before resealing it in order to preserve maximum potency. Keep your Raw Almonds in a cool, dark, dry place.