Frequently Asked Questions 
What is a raw food?
Raw foods are foods that have not been heated above a certain temperature. There are different opinions as to what that temperature is, but we currently only stock foods that are not artificially heated at all.
In the future, we may stock some nuts or seeds that have had minimal heat applied during drying if no other option is available (for instance, Brazil Nuts). This info will be clearly detailed in the description of the item. We will only stock these items if this processing is absolutely necessary for the integrity of the food or the safety of the customer.
Why is it important to not heat food?
Heating food kills the enzymes that naturally exist in all raw foods. Enzymes are what help the body digest, grow, and live. They are vitality at its finest! When food is heated, these vital beings are killed and are not able to revitalize the body. Additionally, when oils are heated (like those that occur in nuts), the unsaturated fatty acids are changed to a substance less recognizable and digestible by the body. Also, the lipase that is in nuts and seeds is destroyed and the body then is required to use its own lipase to digest the food.
Do you have the organic certifications on file?
Yes, we keep copies of the certifications of all of our organic foods on file.
Why don't you buy from distributors?
Distributors don't always know the original source of the food or how it was processed and don't necessarily refrigerate their foods. These issues are very important to us, so we buy only directly from farmers. We have recently added a few foods from Navitas Naturals and Nutiva. We have researched these companies for a couple of years and feel confident in their quality.
Why do you keep your foods refrigerated? I thought dried fruits, nuts, and seeds could be stored in the pantry.
Nuts have a lot of fat in them, which can become rancid when exposed to heat, air, or moisture. Both dried fruits and nuts still contain some moisture in them, which can mold if kept out of the refrigerator. Refrigeration also keeps the foods and enzymes fresher. We keep the foods refrigerated until your order is shipped.
Can I freeze my order if I am not able to eat it all at one time?
Yes, however we don't think freezing is ideal as it has a small effect on the enzymes (although not a huge effect and this varies by food). This is why, whenever possible, we buy foods that have not been subjected to freezing. They will keep well in the refrigerator.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes! Please see our Discounts page for more information.
Do you ship outside of the United States?
Yes, we have shipped to Canada, India, Europe, and Asia. If your country's customs has specific requirements, let us know at the time of ordering. Also, Paypal and credit card payments that have a foreign billing address might have a 1% fee added as that is what they charge us.
Do your almonds sprout?
Yes.
What does a sprouted almond look like?
Here is a picture. Basically, you are looking for it to bulk up and get a bump on the end as it begins the sprouting process. You are not looking for a long tail like with an alfalfa or sunflower sprout. Here are a couple of sites that have additional information....Sprout People and Sprouting Directions.
