Chieftain^® Wild Rice Company

CASHEWS, WHOLE, ROASTED / SALTED

Description:

The Cashew tree is a native of South America, but in the 16 th Century the Portuguese introduced it to East African colonies and India.  Cashew nuts come from a kidney-shaped appendage that grows out from the bottom of the Cashew apple. The outer shell is ash-colored and very smooth.  The Cashew kernel is covered with an inner shell, and between the two shells is found a thick caustic oil which can raise blisters on the skin.  The Cahew apple is shaped similar to a pear and when ripe is a brilliant yellow, red or scarlet color.  When ripe, the Cashew apple falls to the ground where it is easily gathered and the apple and nut are separated.  The Cashew Apple i used for its juicy but acidic pulp and can be used in beverages, jams and chutney.  Inside the hard shell is a slightly curved, white Cashew kernel in a thin brown skin called a testa which is removed during the processing.  The resulting product is then roasted and lightly salted.  Cashew nuts have a sweet, buttery flavor and contain about 48 percent fat.

Suggested Use:

Roasted and salted Cashews make a wonderful addition to trail mix, just add your favorite dried fruit, toasted almonds, pepitas, and Cashews for a nutritious snack.  Cashews add a sweet flavor to banana cream pie, Cashew mushroom loaf, Cashew and pineapple soup, saffron rice with Cashews and raisins and Szechwan chicken and Cashews.  Toss into your favorite salad for a delightful crunch or use as a topping for ice cream or yogurt.