The cashew tree, native to the tropics of Brazil, is classified as a tropical evergreen tree. As a member of theAnacardiaceae family, the cashew’sclosest relatives include the mango, poison ivy and sumac. The word cashew is derived from the Tupi word “acajou” which means “nut that produces itself”. This is most likely in reference to the fact that the cashew shaped fruit dangles below the fleshy, squash-shaped stem of the fruit (called the cashew apple).We think it looks like something Dr. Seuss would have illustrated! In the late 1500s, Portuguese colonists brought the cashew tree from Brazil to West Africa and then to India in the 16th century. When they originally brought this tree to Mozambique, it wasn't for the fruit cultivation at all, it was actually planted along the coast to prevent erosion.
Other than humans, only the bearded capuchins monkeys of Brazil have figured out how to process cashew nuts. Monkeys in Africa will eat the cashew apple, but not the nut. Both humans and capuchins have realized that a measure of processing needs to occur before eating the nut. There is an irritant that naturally occurs between the shells that causes painful blisters in your mouth otherwise. Capuchins prepare their cashew snacks with stone tools and friction, rubbing the caustic liquid off. Though the human technique is quite a bit more complex, archeologists speculate that humans may have learned how to eat cashews from this creative little monkey 7000 years ago.
Today, Ferris sources cashews from specific processors in Brazil and India. While sometimes the cashews are grown in the same countries that they are processed, they are most often grown in Indonesia or west African countries such as Ghana or the Ivory Coast. Growers then sell the un-shelled kernels to places that already have the processing infrastructure in place.
The process itself is intricate.It includes heating, cutting, re-heating, shelling, extracting the cashew nut shell liquid (irritant found in-between the shell walls), skin removal, grading, slight re-humidifying (to prevent the fragile nuts from breaking) and vacuum packaging. The grading process is determined by color and size of the kernel. Color is determined by damage and discoloration in processing, and size is largely determined by nature (and if/how the cashew has broken in the process).
Taste and Common Uses
Our most popular cashews are jumboand colossal,so the most frequently asked question by our customers is, “What’s the difference?”.
Our answer is that the most obvious difference is the size. Cashews are sized by the number that approximately makes up apound. Meaning that the smaller the number, the bigger the cashews. The most common cashew you might find in the grocery store is a 320 (again this means that approximately 320 cashews of this size make up a pound). These are smaller than our jumboand colossal cashews.
Jumbo cashews (240 cashews per pound) tend to be hearty, nutty, crunchy and delicious. They are good for a gift and also a great choice for high-end mixes.
Colossal cashews (180 cashews per pound) are the largest cashew! They taste more buttery, have a big crunch,and are hearty.They are averyimpressive gift option, as the size offers a beautifulpresentation.
Because of their natural soft and creamy texture, cashews are also being used more frequently to make plant-based dairy alternatives, like cream or milk. They are also used as a salad topping, and in granola or trail bars.
Nutritional Benefits
Cashews are abundant in essentialminerals and arealso a good source of monounsaturated fats and protein! YUM!Just 1 oz. of cashews provides us with:
FAQs
How many cashews can you eat in a day? The nutty and creamy flavor of cashews can be tempting, and it's easy to end up consuming too much in one sitting. Try to consume no more than one ounce (28.35 grams) of medium cashew a day to reap health benefits. A single serving of cashews contains about 18 nuts.
Is 20 cashews a day too much? ›
Keep in mind that about 20 percent of the fat content in cashews is saturated fat, which is much higher than most other nuts, so portion size is especially important. Recommendation: One ounce (18 medium) cashews per day.
Is it okay to eat 15 cashews a day? ›
You can eat 15–30 cashew nuts a day for a primary source of fat and a secondary source of protein. Not all fats are bad for you, and some types of fat can actually help your heart health.
Is 100g of nuts a day too much? ›
Although nuts are a healthy snack food, 100 grams per day (about 3.5 oz) is a lot in one day.. As someone else answered, try to stick to about one oz. Even when foods are healthy, getting a lot of calories from one source is not great as you need variety in your diet.
Can I eat 100 grams of cashews a day? ›
However, eating 100 grams of cashew nuts every day may lead to some health concerns due to the high calorie and fat content of nuts.
How many calories are in 10 cashews? ›
How Many Calories Does Cashew Have? If an average-sized nut is considered, then the number of calories in 1 cashew that weighs about 1.6 grams comes to around 9. That way, the calories in 10 cashews go to 90. One serving of cashew nuts is about 28 grams which contain about 157 calories.
Do cashews burn belly fat? ›
To prevent obesity, nutritionists recommend eating cashews about twice a week. The healthy fats in cashews both provide energy and aid in weight loss, while the fiber creates a feeling of fullness and supports the body's metabolism.
What happens if we eat 30 cashew daily? ›
Consuming cashew nuts in excess can result in constipation or weight gain. It may also trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
What are the side effects of eating too much cashew nuts? ›
Cashew nuts may also cause bloating, constipation, weight gain, and joint swelling in some people. But these side effects are rare. When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if cashew is safe. If the unroasted cashew is used it might cause skin irritation, redness, and blisters.
What are the top 3 healthiest nuts? ›
A Quick Review. Nuts are nutritious snacks that contain fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Some of the healthiest nuts include Brazil nuts, pistachios, cashews, and almonds. There are many options to enjoy this nutritional treat, but be sure to enjoy them in moderation.
Cashews, like other nuts, are calorie-dense due to their high fat content. Consuming them in excessive amounts without considering overall calorie intake can contribute to weight gain. However, when consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet, cashews are unlikely to cause weight gain.
Is it bad to eat 200g of nuts? ›
There is nothing inherently unhealthy about 200g of peanuts a day. What would be unhealthy is either over consuming calories besides the nuts or not eating enough of the types of foods to provide you with proper amounts of vitamins and minerals because you are full of nuts. Two hundred grams is roughly 1100 calories.
Is 50 nuts a day too much? ›
Nuts are crunchy and snackable, so it is easy to eat too many nuts at a time. It is important to stick to the recommended daily serving size. You must eat only a handful of nuts (42 grams) in a day.
How many cashews are in 1 kg? ›
1 kg is 2.205 pounds. Number of cashew nuts per pound is given by the grade number. So, if 320 grade cashew is taken, it means there will, on average be 320 nuts per pound. If 240 grade cashews are taken, the number of nuts will be 240 per pound.
How many cashews can I eat for 100 calories? ›
What 100 Calories of Nuts Looks Like
| Type of Nut | 100 calories | 1-ounce serving |
|---|
| Almonds | 14–15 nuts | 23 nuts |
| Walnuts | 8–9 halves | 14–15 halves |
| Cashews | 10–11 nuts | 18 nuts |
| Pistachios | 29 nuts | 49 nuts |
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