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What Is Organic Almond Butter?

C.B. Fox
C.B. Fox

Organic almond butter is a spreadable paste made from ground almonds. This paste is often used as an alternative for peanut butter and is known for its sweet flavor. In order to be considered organic, government regulations must be followed carefully, and non-organic additives, such as certain oils, preservatives, or food colorings may not be added to the paste. Almond butter was first created in the 20th century.

The main ingredient in organic almond butter is almonds. These seeds are from the same family as the apricot, peach, and plum and form inside a small, inedible fruit on a tree. Raw almonds, like other seeds in the same family, are mildly toxic, though small amounts can be safely consumed. In order to prepare an almond to go into organic almond butter, it needs to be cooked and ground into a paste. Most of the time, almonds are roasted before they are ground.

Shelled and whole almonds.
Shelled and whole almonds.

Almonds contain a fair amount of natural oil, which is released when the almonds are ground. This oil gives organic almond butter a creamy texture. As the paste sits, it is normal for the oil to separate and float to the top. It can be stirred back into the paste for a creamier almond butter or poured off and reserved to be used later. Sometimes salt, sugar, and spices are added.

A small jar of organic almond butter.
A small jar of organic almond butter.

In order for their product to be considered organic, the producers of almond butter must follow certain regulations. Though the specifics of the regulations change from country to country, most require that various procedures be followed throughout the life of the food. The almond trees must be grown from organic seeds in organic soil. Avoiding the use of certain chemical fertilizers and pesticides for a number of years before the seed is planted and then continuing to follow those practices while the tree grows are essential in order to receive organic certification in most countries. Once the seeds are harvested, they are kept away from non-organic foods and processing equipment as the organic almond butter is made.

Though high in fat, almond butter is considered to be a relatively healthy food when eaten in moderation. The high oil content of the almonds consists primarily of monounsaturated fats, which can help improve the health of the heart. Almonds also contain a number of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin E, manganese, and magnesium.

Discussion Comments

Spotiche5

@heavanet- If you like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, I think that you will also enjoy almond butter and jelly sandwiches. There are some variations that I think taste best with this wholesome nut jelly.

First of all, I think that whole wheat bread compliments almond butter much better than white bread. The two nutty flavors go perfectly together.

I also think that jellies that are very sweet go perfectly on almond butter and jelly sandwiches. A few to try are apricot, blueberry, and apple jellies.

Finally, I love to add pieces of whole fruits to my almond butter and jelly sandwiches. Slices of apples, pineapples, and bananas all taste great on these easy sandwiches, and add extra vitamins and minerals for a healthful meal or snack.

Rundocuri

@heavanet- I love almond butter, and I think it is good used in the same ways as peanut butter. So yes, it is great as a almond butter and jelly sandwich. I think that the jellies that go with it best are strawberry, grape, and orange marmalade.

Heavanet

Almond butter sounds like a tasty alternative to peanut butter. Has anyone ever tried it on a sandwich with jelly?

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    • Shelled and whole almonds.
      By: Elenathewise
      Shelled and whole almonds.
    • A small jar of organic almond butter.
      By: Sander
      A small jar of organic almond butter.