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Cashews
Cashews are a common addition to Indian dishes, such as curries and
rice.
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.
Buying and storing tips
Cashews spoil quickly at room temperature and should be refrigerated. If refrigerated in a
tightly sealed container, they will keep for six months or up to a year if frozen.
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
Cancer (Prostate)
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. It is not clear, however, whether this association reflects a
cause-effect relationship. 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.
The information presented in this website is for informational purposes only and was created by a team of U.S. registered dietitians and food experts. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements, making dietary changes, or before making any changes in prescribed medications.
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