Decoding Raw Almond Flour: Is it Safe and Healthy?

Understanding Raw Almond Flour

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of alternative flours, and raw almond flour has emerged as a prominent player in the culinary landscape. As more people seek healthier alternatives, questions arise about the safety and nutritional benefits of consuming raw almond flour. In this blog post, we'll explore the considerations surrounding the consumption of raw almond flour and whether it's a safe and healthy choice.

Raw almond flour is made by grinding whole almonds into a fine powder, bypassing the process of heat-treating the almonds. This preservation of the raw state retains the natural oils and nutrients found in almonds, making it a potentially more nutrient-dense option compared to blanched almond flour.

Safety Concerns:

Phytic Acid: Almonds, like many nuts and seeds, contain phytic acid, an antinutrient that can bind to minerals and reduce their absorption. Soaking or sprouting almonds before grinding them into flour may help reduce phytic acid levels.

Enzyme Inhibitors: Raw almonds also contain enzyme inhibitors, which can interfere with the body's digestion and nutrient absorption. Soaking or sprouting can help break down these inhibitors.

Microbial Contamination: There is a slight risk of microbial contamination with raw almonds. Heat treatment, such as blanching, is a common method to reduce this risk. However, the risk is generally considered low, especially if you purchase almonds from reputable sources.

Nutritional Benefits:

Nutrient Retention: Raw almond flour retains more of the almond's natural nutrients, including healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals, compared to blanched almond flour.

Rich in Healthy Fats: Almonds are a good source of monounsaturated fats, which are heart-healthy and may contribute to overall well-being.

Low in Carbs, High in Protein: Raw almond flour is low in carbohydrates and high in protein, making it a suitable choice for those following low-carb or gluten-free diets.

Soaking or Sprouting: Consider soaking or sprouting almonds before grinding them into flour to reduce phytic acid and enzyme inhibitors.

Purchase from Reputable Sources: Choose raw almond flour from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and reduce the risk of microbial contamination.

Diversify Your Flour Choices: While raw almond flour can be a nutritious addition to your diet, it's essential to diversify your flour choices to ensure a broad spectrum of nutrients.

Brazil Nut Shortage

News from the rainforests of Bolivia - the Brazil Nut crop this year is down by 60 - 70%, mostly due to El Nino.  Bolivia produces about half the global supply, and reports that the pods are empty.  The trees are not producing this year, which also means the communities who make a living out of harvesting this nutritious nut will likely suffer.  Bolivian authorities are planning new strategies to counteract the shortage due to this crippling drought, such as cutting vines around Brazil Nut trees in the native rainforest which could triple the yield on individual trees.

This also means higher prices on Brazil nuts, if we are able to get them!  We will continue to include them in our Nature's Bounty Nut Mix as long as we can.

Hopefully these towering graceful trees will rebound from the drought, and continue to produce these healthful nuts in future years.

Fredlyn Nuts

It's Valentine's Day, Take Care of your Heart!

Ah, Valentine's Day! Who doesn't remember all those paper Valentines in grade school, holding back the special one for that Special One?  Who didn't have a crush in grade school?

It's appropriate for the heart to be the symbol of Valentine's Day, because that's where we hold our emotions and memories.  All the more reason to take care of it.

What better way than by popping a few nuts every day into your mouth! Our Breakfast Blend is great, just a spoonful on your oats or cereal every morning provides so much and tastes so good.  It's so easy, they don't have to be prepared at all, they're complete just as they are.   Do you like Nut Butters?  Nut Milk?  If you like the preparation and like to add other ingredients, that's great.  But really, just pop a few in your mouth, crunch away and voila you have Nut Butter.

So much has been published about the heart-healthy properties of Almonds, Walnuts, Cashews, and really all the tree nuts.  People ask us which of our products is the most healthy.  That would have to be our Nature's Bounty - all the tree nuts in their raw form in one delicious mix.

Among the latest article can be found in the LaCrosse Tribune, and talks about fiber and plant sterols as well:

http://lacrossetribune.com/lifestyles/food-and-cooking/recipes/jennifer-holden-simple-steps-to-care-for-your-heart/article_54ab2c65-7c52-5cdf-b376-3d4b56fbd958.html

For those whom you hold dear in your heart - take care of it and the rest follows!  Enjoy, in the process!