Narrow Your Choices
CASHEWS
Related to the pistachio, cashews are said to have originated in Brazil, although they are now mainly grown in India and Africa, with India producing 90% of the world’s cashew crop. Cashew nuts are always removed from their shells, known as “apples,” and treated to remove a caustic oil that is natural to the cashew. For that reason, cashew nuts are always sold shelled and dried. Even so-called “raw” cashews have actually been roasted to remove this toxic resin.
Varieties
The most common variety of cashews is grown in India. Cashews are the edible seeds of a tropical and subtropical evergreen tree of the species Anarcardium occidentale. The species is related to the poison sumac and is native to Central and South America. It was brought to India and East Africa during the 1400s by Portuguese missionaries. The author could find no reference to other varieties. So, it seems that although it is grown in various parts of the world, the cashew is essentially a singular variety.
Availability
Cashew nuts are available year-round. They are sold “raw” and roasted, salted and unsalted, and in bulk or vacuum-sealed jars or cans.
Preparation, uses, and tips
Cashew nuts can be eaten as snacks or used in combination with other foods such as salads and desserts. They are commonly added to Indian cooking, such as curries and rice dishes. When adding cashews to hot food, they should be added just before serving since they soften quickly when cooked.
Nutritional Highlights
Cashews (dry, roasted), 1 Tbsp
Calories: 49
Protein: 1.3g
Carbohydrate: 2.8g
Total fat: 3.9g
Fiber: 0.26g
Health benefits and concerns associated with nuts
Alpha-linolenic acid is a fatty acid found in many foods. Most, but not all, studies have found that high dietary or blood levels of alpha-linolenic acid correlate with an increased risk of prostate cancer. Concentrations of alpha-linolenic acid are high in almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, flaxseed, hazelnuts, macadamia nuts, peanuts, pecans, pine nuts, pistachios, and walnuts.
Health benefits and
concerns for nuts and seeds
Many health benefits and concerns associated with this food are applicable to other nuts and
seeds. Read about health benefits and concerns for
nuts and seeds for a full description.
Your Recent History
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Call us M-F 9am-5pm: 212-279-0552
Information on this site is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Information about each product is taken from the labels of the products or from the manufacturer's advertising material. MotherNature is not responsible for any statements or claims that various manufacturers make about their products. We cannot be held responsible for typographical errors or product formulation changes. You should read carefully all product packaging. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.All discounts are taken from suggested retail prices. Prices are subject to change.
Please see our Terms of Use
Copyright © 1995-2012 MotherNature All rights reserved.