Cashews
Cashews
Cashews

Cashews

Cashews originated in Brazil, where they are a tropical evergreen. Portuguese colonists in Brazil first started exporting the nuts in the 1550s. The original tree can grow as high as 14 metres, but the dwarf cashew at 6 metres is a better commercial proposition, maturing earlier and producing higher yields.

The nuts themselves grow at the bottom of an edible ‘cashew-apple’, which is eaten across Brazil and the Caribbean. The cashew-apple does not transport well, so it is mainly eaten where it is grown.

Enquire
+44 (0) 1787 474 701
info@rmcurtis.co.uk
Format Notes
Details
Nutrition

Formats

  • Whole
  • Whole Roasted
  • Whole Salted
  • Pieces

Other points to note

The cashew shell contains a potent skin irritant. To extract the edible cashew kernel, the shell goes through a hot oil process, which creates a toxic cashew shell derivative that is used for industrial applications. The heating process may sometimes leave a slight scorch mark on the cashew itself, affecting its grading.

Countries of Origin

  • India
  • Vietnam
  • West Africa
  • Brazil

Harvested

  • February and March in India, Asia and Africa
  • October and November in South America

Varieties

There are a large number of varietals grown commercially, with different varieties preferred in different countries. Cashews have a complex number of commercial categorisations, very similar to almonds. They may be categorised by colour, amount of scorch, splits, pieces, and ‘baby bits’; all of these are naturally produced during the shelling process. Premium is the biggest sized whole nut, with a range of five smaller whole nut sizes going down in size below it.

Macronutrients

  • Source of protein
  • Low in salt
  • High in monounsaturated fat

Vitamins & Minerals

  • High in Thiamine
  • High in Potassium, Phosphorus, Magnesium, Copper, Iron, Zinc and Manganese