topic Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds! in Kitchen

Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

Harpa — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 13:16:40 GMT

And I didn't have to send away for them!

For years - literally years! - whatever almonds were being sold - Diamond, Emerald, even Wegmans - have had zero taste. Wegmans was a mite better, but several times they were just as bad, if not worse.

My Mom always goes to this local store, and I decided to get their bulk brand. (Their bulk brand does a really great job with herbs & spices.)

Their almonds are so flavorful! Just what an almond should taste like!

Has anyone else found flavorful almonds?

I don't know why these other ones have been so bad for so long!

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

Happy Elizabeth — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 13:48:38 GMT

Almonds in the USA are required to be pasteurized, which removes the natural almond flavor. Even so called "raw" almonds sold in the US are pasteurized. If you want almonds that taste as nature intended, buy raw almonds from Italy. The taste difference is unbelievable. They are easily available online. I eat almonds every day, and raw organic unpasteurized Italian almonds are the only thing I will use.

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

Deadeye Daisy — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:33:50 GMT

You can buy un-pasturized almonds at many farmer's markets. Almonds sold direct to customers are exempt from pasturization, but there is a 100 pound limit per day. You can also buy from growers who are exempt from pasturization. Many companies that do small batch roasting are have an exemption. If purchased from outside the US, they must be from a certified organic grower.

Try Spanish Marcona Almonds. You will probably never go back to regular almonds. Costco and Trader Joe's carry Marcona almonds.

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

Harpa — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:49:19 GMT

That pasteurization sure is a nutty idea! I never knew that about almonds.

TY!

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

cuddlesmama — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 14:54:32 GMT

What is the brand you bought in bulk?

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

lovesrecess — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:07:24 GMT

Sprouts is a market chain that sells a lot of bulk items. I have found their roasted almonds are the best. I never buy almonds in a plastic bag.

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

Tique — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:16:19 GMT

On 4/7/2014 Harpa said:
That pasteurization sure is a nutty idea! I never knew that about almonds.

TY!

I agree. I started trying to incorporate almonds into my food but had been thinking that the almonds had little or not taste. I thought it was me. Thanks for this info and the reccommendations.

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

willdob3 — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 15:21:53 GMT

It has been a while since I bought almonds but now I think I'll look for a local source for raw, unpasturized, organic ones.

Too bad it takes so much education/research, and searching to find real food in a natural state.

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

glmama — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 16:14:45 GMT

Happy Elizabeth-This is good to know . IME, bulk stores, or the organic, bulk section of Whole Foods has the better tasting almonds I've had. I made the mistake of buying the little portion controlled packages one time @ BJs. The almonds, IMO, tasted like cardboard. I think it's very true that many times we don't even know what a food in a natural state should taste like.:-/

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

nlwilliams — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 17:15:29 GMT

Ok, if they didn't taste like almonds what do they taste like? I eat almonds almost everyday interesting.....

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

tkins — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 23:13:07 GMT

I agree about the lack of flavor with regards to almonds and some of them sound really good, but they ruin them by adding sucralose or similar type of sweetener that I can't eat. I have also been trying to eat more almonds, although not sure some of my choices technically count. I discovered that CVS Gold Emblem and Gold Emblem Select almonds are really good and they have a wide variety of types and flavors. My favorites that I not only use for snacking and cereal mix, but also baking, are the Roasted Lightly Salted, Honey Roasted, Cinnamon Honey, Habanero BBQ and Honey Mustard (which I think are a bit zippier than the Habanero BBQ). I am not a big chip person, so the last two hit the spot when I am wanting something crunchy and flavorful. They are often on sale or by one get one free and some of the flavors come in 1.5 ounce bags so you could try them to see if you like them.

I also really like True North 100% Natural Almond Pecan Crunch, they are lightly sweetened nut clusters with almond, pecans and cashews for those times I want something salty/sweet.

tkins

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

dsky — Tue, 08 Apr 2014 23:21:54 GMT

On 4/7/2014 Happy Elizabeth said:
Almonds in the USA are required to be pasteurized, which removes the natural almond flavor. Even so called "raw" almonds sold in the US are pasteurized. If you want almonds that taste as nature intended, buy raw almonds from Italy. The taste difference is unbelievable. They are easily available online. I eat almonds every day, and raw organic unpasteurized Italian almonds are the only thing I will use.

Gee I eat almonds everyday and never new this, thanks for sharing this info. I eat Blue Diamond lightly salted in the canister.

Re: Finally Found Almonds That Taste Like Almonds!

Kachina624 — Wed, 09 Apr 2014 05:46:31 GMT

Wow, they're about $15/lb on Amazon. Expensive little gems.