Is pesticide-free the same as organic?

No. Pesticide-free means no synthetic pesticides are sprayed in the orchard. Certified organic is a broader standard that covers soil, fertiliser, and the whole farming system. Pesticide-free is a specific, verifiable claim. Organic certification is a third-party audit.

Can I make slivered almonds from whole blanched at home?

You can. Soak blanched almonds for ten minutes in hot water, then cut by hand. It works for a small recipe. For more than a cup of slivered, buy them ready cut. The yield is better and the shape is consistent.

Why does my almond meal go off so quickly?

Grinding exposes the oil to air, so the surface area that can oxidise is much larger than a whole nut. Store almond meal in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer once opened. Buy smaller bags more often.

Buying guide · 6 min read

Almond types compared

Australian pesticide-free, blanched, slivered, flaked, meal. Which almond is for which job.

Almonds get sold in seven or eight different forms and most shops do not explain the difference. This guide walks through the shapes you will find on the bench at Micks Nuts and what each one is good for in the kitchen.

Australian pesticide-free vs imported

Australian growers in Riverland (SA) and Sunraysia (Vic) supply most of the local crop. The pesticide-free line is grown without synthetic pesticide application in the orchard. That is not the same as certified organic. It is a clear, narrow claim and worth paying for if it matters to you.

Imported almonds usually come from California or Spain. They are not worse. They are just a longer trip to your pantry.

Whole raw, in-shell, and natural

Whole raw almonds are the unprocessed kernel with the skin on. Best for snacking, granola, and any recipe where you want bite and a nutty crust.

In-shell almonds are the entry-level form. Same kernel, less surface area exposed to air, slightly longer shelf life. Annoying to crack, satisfying for a long film night.

Blanched, slivered, flaked

Blanched almonds have the skin removed by a quick hot-water dip. They look pale and clean. Use them where the skin would discolour a sauce or a frangipane.

Slivered almonds are blanched kernels cut into thin batons. They go on salads, rice dishes, and Indian sweets.

Flaked almonds are blanched kernels shaved into wide thin discs. They toast fast and brown evenly on top of a cake or a galette.

Meal, butter, oil

Almond meal is ground whole almonds, skin and all. Use it in macarons, financiers, gluten-free baking, and crumb coatings. Buy small bags. Meal turns rancid faster than whole nuts because the oil is exposed.

Almond butter and almond oil are downstream products. Pick the butter for spreading and smoothies. Pick the oil for finishing salads. Neither one is a cheaper way to buy almonds.

Which one should you actually buy

If you bake regularly, keep two on hand: whole raw for snacking and granola, and a small bag of meal for cakes. Add flaked or slivered when a recipe calls for them. Don't pre-buy six forms hoping to be ready.

Common questions

Is pesticide-free the same as organic?
No. Pesticide-free means no synthetic pesticides are sprayed in the orchard. Certified organic is a broader standard that covers soil, fertiliser, and the whole farming system. Pesticide-free is a specific, verifiable claim. Organic certification is a third-party audit.
Can I make slivered almonds from whole blanched at home?
You can. Soak blanched almonds for ten minutes in hot water, then cut by hand. It works for a small recipe. For more than a cup of slivered, buy them ready cut. The yield is better and the shape is consistent.
Why does my almond meal go off so quickly?
Grinding exposes the oil to air, so the surface area that can oxidise is much larger than a whole nut. Store almond meal in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer once opened. Buy smaller bags more often.

Picks from the pantry

Lines that match this guide.

Keep reading

More guides on the bench.

Back to all guides