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First
Grade
Seconds
Grade
How
are Australian apricot kernels different from those imported
from overseas?
For
a start, though imported apricot kernels may be "raw",
this does not equate to living, unaltered or "100%
natural". This is explained further below.
The
varieties of apricot grown in Australia are different
to those grown overseas. Each variety of apricot produces
kernels with vastly different characteristics, which includes,
size, shape, amygdalin content and flavour.
Additionally,
the growing standards and processing methods are also
very different. The processing methods most often employed
in large-scale operations ultimately destroy the viability
of the seed. The embryo, found at the very tip of the
kernel, is the most delicate portion of the seed. The
embryo determines a seed's health and viability.
Once
the embryo is no longer viable, the seed enters a state
of decomposition, nutrient deterioration and eventual
rancidity. This is true of all nuts and seeds. The
imported apricot kernels being sold have obvious characteristics
that identify them as deteriorating seed.
If
you wet the kernels and allow them to sit, you will notice
the strong scent of marzipan. This indicates that a portion
of the inherent amygdalin has already broken down. The
scent of marzipan is due to the liberation of benzaldehyde.
Likewise, the taste of the kernels may also be strongly
characteristic of benzaldehyde, but lacking the strong
bitterness of intact amygdalin. This doesn't happen with
living, viable seed.
Perhaps
the best indicator of a seed's health (or lack of) is
its inability to sprout or grow. Stored properly, a seed
can remain healthy and viable for as long as 4 years,
or longer. Its shelf-life is optimal and its susceptibility
to rancidity is greatly reduced. A kernel that is released
from its shell and exposed to open oxygen deteriorates
through oxidation. There is no telling when an imported
nut or seed was cracked or how long it has been oxidising.
Despite this, its shelf-life is likely indicated from
the time it was packed. This is wrong.
Prior
to cooking, quality apricot kernels should be exceptionally
bitter. A mildly bitter characteristic is indicative of
poor quality, age or an inferior variety.
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Our apricot kernels will soon have a new look!
Once
new labelling decisions have been finalised by the regulators,
any requirements and/or directions will be provided on the
back of the resealable packets. This might include "debittering"
directions, consumption warnings or product usage statements.
Our packaging will remain clear and the product visible.
As
many of you are aware, apricot kernels have had some
attention over the past year.
We
have agreed to relabel our product to reflect these concerns
and warn against the potential for adverse reactions when
raw apricot kernels are consumed.
Our
product will, at least, temporarily be labeled as, 'Raw
Apricot Kernels, for the preparation of body scrubs and
oils'. The label will also include a warning to ensure that
users are aware of the risks associated with the consumption
of raw apricot seeds.
Over
the coming months, there will be regulatory discussion about
the future of apricot kernels and the legalities of their
sale, the purpose of which will be to determine how and
why apricot kernels are sold.
Rightly
or wrongly, those selling apricot kernels in conjunction
with information about their use as an alternative treatment
for cancer are in breach of present regulations - codes
for both food and therapeutic goods.
Retailers
engaged in the sale of apricot kernels along-side cancer
DVDs, books or other information (including websites that
appear to be separate), selfishly put the future
of apricot kernels at risk for everyone. This practise is
against the law in Australia and it is simply a matter of
time before these individuals are acted upon by the authorities.
The ACCC, and other agencies, are well aware of the matter
and precedent exists for action.
Final
decisions on labelling requirements have yet to be made,
but we're led to believe there will be regulations imposed
on all suppliers that involve similar warnings to those
we've posted. It is likely that apricot kernels will not
be permitted for sale to the general public as a food in
their raw state. However, they will remain available for
cosmetic use, such as the preparation of body and facial
scrubs and the pressing of oil. At present, it seems state
by state requirements have created some confusion. If you
require further information or verification of these details,
we suggest you contact FSANZ or the Department of Health
directly.
Once
final decisions and regulations have been determined, law
permitting, our product will be offered as food with appropriate
labelling and directions.
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Australian Apricot Kernels
Welcome
to apricotkernels.com.au
- the first online source of apricot kernels in Australia,
and processors of Australian-grown apricot kernels exclusively.
We
refuse to sell foreign apricot kernels, regardless of the
profit potential. Our competitors, however, are importing
inferior products and onselling them with the suggestion
they're somehow comparable to our fresh, Australian apricot
kernels. They aren't, so we cheerfully direct you to their
websites where we'll leave the competition to be waged between
themselves. Incidentally - our seconds
grade kernels are less than half the cost of these,
but higher quality and freshly cracked!
http://www.rawapricotseeds.com.au
http://www.oznatureshop.com.au
http://www.b17.com.au
http://www.laetrile.com.au
http://www.apricotseeds.com.au
(Though it seems they're wanting to
create a different impression, the first four links are
actually the same people. However, they also wholesale to
many other businesses throughout Australia, so you may find
a better deal by searching Google. Alternatively, you can
shop where they do and pay as little as $1.00 per kilo!
- click
here
We
also welcome wholesale inquiries for our own product
How do we differ from these others? Our kernels are hand-crafted
and exclusively Australian. We're a small-scale, family
operation dedicated to the quality of our product and our
service. We
process our apricot kernels entirely chemical-free. We don't
even fumigate, so they remain free of chemical residues.
They are raw, living and 100% natural, which makes them
suited to sprouting and propagation. This is only possible
with fresh, living seed. If you choose to purchase our product,
you're buying directly from the source. Your order is freshly
cracked this week, hand-sorted to the highest quality and
packed fresh daily.
Our
product is the most sought after apricot kernel in Australia.
Though we endeavour to send all orders out the day they're
received, your purchase is fulfilled with apricot kernels
we've hand-sorted the same day. There may be occasions we
simply haven't been able to keep up with orders. In this
scenario, your order will be posted the day following purchase.
This should still get your kernels to you within 3 days
of purchasing.
Please
Note: Amygdalin, often referred to as "B17"
or "vitamin B17", is present in different concentrations
amongst different apricot kernels. An apricot kernel of
one variety does not equal an apricot kernel of another.
The apricot kernels sold in Australia have very different
levels of amygdalin. Some have relatively low levels, where
ours are very concentrated. Freshness plays a significant
role, as does variety and origin. A number of these kernels
are imported from other countries, such as India, Turkey,
Pakistan and China. Our apricot kernels are Australian-grown
with a new batch cracked weekly. As a result, our product
is very fresh and contains the highest concentration of
amygdalin available. This is significant and should be taken
into consideration.
It
is our responsibility to make you aware that FSANZ and the
DOH advise against the consumption of raw, bitter
apricot kernels from any source. If you're choosing to use
them in this way, please bear in mind that not all apricot
kernels are equal. Following general consumption advice
may result in very different experiences.
Some
retailers are marketing apricot kernels as a snack food.
We strongly advise against treating them as such. Though
the other apricot kernels contain less amygdalin, treating
them as a snack is likely to result in unpleasant reactions.
Beware
Imported Apricot Kernels
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