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How to check almonds for bugs

Does it need checking? Usually not. They are rarely infested in the USA (or after long storage), and sometimes infested in Israel. (Rav Moshe Vaya) Almonds are presumed clean, and there is no obligation to check them, but it is correct to look at them before eating, since sometimes one has a worm hole.

Rav Vaya’s rating

USA[★]rarely infested, or after long storage
Israel★sometimes infested (mi’ut hamatzui)

Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 940 (Almonds)

Which bugs

  • A worm can go into the almond and leave a visible hole. The worm may still be inside and dead, or it may have left.

How to check

  1. Turn the almonds over and look at them from both sides.
  2. Look for a hole. A hole means a worm went into the almond.
  3. The worm may still be inside, so a holed almond is suspect.
  4. Even with foods that are normally clean, it is correct to look before eating.

Watch

▶ Bugs In Almonds

Pictures

Almonds spread out in a clear container so each one can be checked
Almonds spread out in a clear container so each one can be checked. (“Bugs In Almonds”, 0:12)
An almond (upper left) with a small worm hole near its tip
An almond (upper left) with a small worm hole near its tip. (“Bugs In Almonds”, 0:32)

Sources

  • Rav Moshe Vaya, Bedikat HaMazon K’Halacha, Degree of Infestation chart, p. 940 (rating).

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