Organic Cashews, Whole

General Information

Botanical Name: Anacardium occidentale Certified Organic

Origin: Brazil / India / Vietnam

Cashew nuts are actually the kidney-shaped seeds that adhere to the bottom of a sweet tasting cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. Cashews require a hot, humid climate to proliferate and are now cultivated in more than 30 countries.

Production

Cashews are always sold shelled because the interior of the shells contains a caustic resin, known as cashew balm, which must be carefully removed before the nuts are fit for consumption. The process involves soaking in water, steaming, shelling, drying, cooling, peeling, and grading.

Qualities

Cashew nuts, like most nuts, are high in protein and low in carbohydrates and packed with soluble dietary fiber, vitamins, minerals and numerous health-promoting phytochemicals. They are rich in “heart- friendly” monounsaturated-fatty acids like oleic and palmitoleic acids, abundant in essential minerals like manganese, potassium, copper, iron, magnesium, zinc, and selenium, as well as a good source of B vitamins and folate.

Common use

The sweet and creamy taste and nutritional density make cashews an outstanding addition to a wide variety of foods and beverages including smoothies, energy bars, salad dressings or sauces, soups or stews, stirred into oatmeal or spread on pancakes or in sandwiches, in desserts and as toppings, or enjoy straight from the jar!