Let's talk about nuts in Woodbury MN!  Almonds to be exact.  Almonds technically are not a nut, they are the seed that is surrounded by an un-edible shell that has fallen or was picked off a tree. They are similar to a peach or apricot.

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Almonds in Woodbury MN

Almonds have many benefits:  they are rich in protein, high in fiber, Vitamin E, calcium, magnesium, niacin and riboflavin.  All of the healthy fats and vitamins are essential for maintaining the health of your skin and other body systems.  For example, almonds may help reduce the cholesterol levels in your bloodstream, which can directly help the cardiovascular system.   Almonds, like other nuts, contain a good amount of healthy fats.  Back in 2005, the Journal of Nutrition published an article stating that the almond, as a whole that includes the skin, packs a more nutritious snack, versus a blanched almond.  Before we get into that let's talk about the process.

Almonds in the Spring: an almond's life cycle begins in late February when California's fertile farmlands are transformed into a sea of white blossoms. Each blossom must be pollinated by a honeybee so the nutlet will grow to full maturity.

Almonds in the Summer: Pollinated blossoms turn into fuzzy green hulls popping out among the branches. Inside this protective hull, the almond shell and kernel are taking shape. During the warm summer heat, the hulls split open, revealing the almond shell.

Almonds in the Fall: By September, the nuts are ready for harvest. After the almonds are shaken off the trees, they are sent to Blue Diamond's modern processing plants to be shelled, diced, blanched or roasted for our customers.

Almonds in the Winter: By December, almond orchards lose their leaves and are dormant for the cold months ahead. Trees are pruned to help sunlight reach the new buds and leaves. Almond trees take about five years to mature and bear a full crop.

A blanched almond is a skin-less almond that is perfect for cooking purposes.  You can purchase blanched almonds or you can blanch them yourself at home.  Put your almonds in a bowl and pour hot water on them, let them sit for several minutes then peel off the skin.  The un-blanched almond is the seed plus its skin.  The skin is rich in anti-oxidants and flavonoids that fight against free radicals responsible for disease and the aging process.  Most almonds are pasteurized and fumigated in compliance with the law since 2007, in order to prevent food-borne illnesses such as salmonella.  Some organic farmers; however, do not pasteurize their almonds because they find that it shrinks and changes the flavor of the seed itself.

The question is…do the chemicals soak into the almond seed?   I think some of the pesticides and toxins must soak into the seed; however, if you purchase the organic and raw almonds, you are looking at a healthier food product that will introduce less toxins into your body. Of course the roasted and salted nuts will always taste better, so every now and then a great salty nut roll will not hurt you, but if you are looking to add a healthy snack to your diet, try the organic raw almonds!

References:

• http://oureverydaylife.com/blanched-vs-unblanched-almonds-22809.html
• http://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2015/05/19/407760579/
• https://www.justalmonds.com/almond_life_cycle_s/63.htm
• http://livewell.jillianmichaels.com/list-nuts-seeds-should-buy-organically-5001.html

Thank you for reading!

Dr. Christine Bartholomew, D.C.