Cashews
Where to buy them, how to use them, and more!
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A rich, cream-colored nut that grows on a tropical evergreen tree.
Where to buy good raw cashews
We have found Terrasoul “Mylk Grade (splits)” cashews to be very good.
The shell of the cashew nut contains a toxic oil called urushiol. If cashews are not shelled properly, trace amounts (not enough to harm you in any way) of urushiol may get on the cashews and consuming them will leave a slight burning taste in your mouth. This can be avoided by buying high-quality cashews as linked to above. (These cashews are also produced in an ethical manner, meaning that the workers who process the cashews are protected from the toxins.)
Are cashews a healthy food?
Cashews are a good source of magnesium, fiber, and healthy fats.
They are good for the heart and can help lower cholesterol. Cashews also promote good bone health.
Different varieties of cashews
Cashews come raw or roasted in whole pieces, large pieces, small pieces, and very small pieces. Whole cashews are most expensive. When using raw cashews in a recipe, choose large or medium large pieces as they tend to have the best flavor. (See sources above.)
Raw cashews vs roasted cashews
Cashews are commonly available roasted. You can also find them “raw”. * Most of the recipes on JennifersKitchen.com uses raw cashews.
What is the difference between raw and roasted cashews?
When cashews go through the roasting process, they lose some of their nutrition. Vitamin E, selenium, and iron content of roasted cashews is slightly lower than that of raw cashews. On the other hand, roasted cashews are crunchier and have a nuttier flavor.
When should you use raw cashews and when should you use roasted cashews?
Raw cashews work best if you want to blend them to make a creamy dressing, cream, or sauce. Roasted cashews work best if you want to make nut butter. And, if eating plain, some people prefer the nutty crunch and flavor of roasted cashews.
When buying roasted cashews, be sure to buy dry roasted cashews to avoid the ones roasted in oil.
How do you use cashews?
Cashews can be eaten by themselves raw or roasted. They can also be made into a milk or cream to replace dairy milk or cream. My favorite way to eat cashews is in salad dressings, such as this dill dressing.
Tip: Cashews are an agricultural product. It is best to wash raw cashews in hot water before using. This can be easily done in a fine-mesh colander.
Recipes that use cashews
How to store cashews
Cashew are best stored in a cold, dry place, such as in a sealed container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Where to buy good cashews
We have found Terrasoul “Mylk Grade (splits)” cashews to be very good.
The shell of the cashew nut contains a toxic oil called urushiol. If cashews are not shelled properly, trace amounts (not enough to harm you in any way) of urushiol may get on the cashews and consuming them will leave a slight burning taste in your mouth. This can be avoided by buying high-quality cashews as linked to above. (These cashews are also produced in an ethical manner, meaning that the workers who process the cashews are protected from the toxins.)
* Actually, all cashews – raw or roasted – go through a light roasting process to make them fit for consumption. The oil in the shell of cashews is harmful, so the nut must be roasted in order to remove both the cashew shell and the shell oils. Cashews that are labeled roasted, are those that have been roasted a second time to make them crunchy and toasty.