I had recently just learned that almonds grown in the United States are not actually raw. In fact there is no regulations protecting the labeling of raw...ridiculous, I know! As of a few years ago, farmers who grow almonds are required by law to treat almond with either steam, irradiation or chemically pasteurization. This applies to Organically grown almonds as well. I don't know about you, but if I am going to spend this kind of money on nuts, they sure as heck better not be covered in propylene oxide!