FAQs…
helpful answers to frequently asked questions
Q: Why should I buy my almonds from you?
A: We offer the freshest available almonds, direct from our family farm where they were grown. You can rest assured that not only will you be totally satisfied with our product; you can also be assured that you’re supporting a locally owned, family operated, small farm.
Q: What are almond varieties and which one is better?
A: Almonds varieties are differences in the genetic makeup of the trees. A good comparison would be apples; at the grocery store you can select from Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and a host of other varieties, yet they are still all apples.
Similarly, almonds are available in many varieties. The most noticeable difference to the untrained eye is the shell; however, most consumers never see the almonds in their shells. Almonds varieties also differ in there size, skin texture, and subtle differences in taste.
Nonpareil almonds are recognized worldwide as the premium almond both in size, flavor, appearance, as well as production qualities.
Q: What should I know about the almonds offered at big chain stores?
A: Almonds sold at major retailers have the same amazing health benefits and possibly comparable flavor. What the big chains can’t guarantee is freshness.
Nuts that are sold at large retail outlets have also been passed from the farmer, possibly a large corporation itself, to a handler, to a wholesaler, to a distribution warehouse, eventually making it to the shelf at the store. The ideal when it comes to food quality and safety is having fewer hands involved; our almonds are sent directly from our farm to you.
Q: Are your almonds inspected by the USDA?
A: Our almonds are not inspected by any government agency. We personally clean and sort our almonds to meet our own quality standard. Ultimately, you, the consumer, are the final quality inspector, and it is your satisfaction that we strive to meet and exceed.
Q: Are your almonds pasteurized?
A: Our raw almonds are not pasteurized. Most of our customers seeking raw almonds have expressed the desire to purchase “truly” raw almonds and the only way you can get unpasteurized almonds is to purchase directly from the farmer.
Roasted almonds are exempt because they have been fully cooked and have surpassed temperature requirements set for pasteurization.
Q: How should I store almonds I buy from you?
A: The ideal storage for almonds is a dark, cool place in an airtight container. If you plan to store almonds for an extended period of time (more than six months), vacuum packaging and freezing is a good option.
Q: Do you offer organic almonds?
A: At this time we do not offer certified organic almonds. Our almonds are produced using minimal chemical applications using the Integrated Pest Management guidelines developed by the University of California Davis.
Q: Tell me about shipping almonds? How long will it take, how much will it cost?
A: Our standard shipping method is UPS Ground; however, we are able to ship using UPS expedited two-day or overnight service if required. We normally ship within one business day of receiving the order. If for some reason there will be a delay in your shipment, we will email or call you to give you an update.
We can also ship via USPS if you require. Please note on your order form if you need us to ship via the post office. This may be the preferred method if shipping to an overseas military USO address.
We offer free shipping throughout the US.
Q: Does Briden Wilson Farm employ quality control measures to ensure safe and consistent food?
A: We employ food safety practices in the orchard known as Good Agricultural Practices, or GAPs. For detailed information, please visit the AlmondBoard.com website.
Q: What percentage of the United States almond crop is grown in California?
A: Virtually one hundred percent of the US almond crop is grown in California. California produces approximately seventy-five percent of the world’s almonds.