Raw Cashews

Cashew nuts are one of the softer nuts with a slight crunch, creamy texture and rich flavour. The cashew tree can grow up to 14 metres high and originated in Brazil but are now grown in many places around the world.

Cashews have less fat than most nuts but the fat they do have is mostly Oleic acid, which is important for healthy brain function. Cashews are super high in copper, a trace mineral that is essential for immune function, heart muscles and iron and fat metabolism and are a good source of iron, B6 and potassium. They are also rich in the mineral magnesium, important for over 300 different reactions involved in blood sugar balance, muscular contraction, sleep maintenance and pain management.

Cashews are high in protein and when combined with a Brazil nut and some almonds, make a complete protein snack.  They are great soaked and blended with garlic and lemon juice to make a vegan nut spread and because they are a soft nut make a delicious vegan cream substitute when blended and combined with maple syrup. You can also try roasting and adding to salads and rice dishes (they go particularly well with Indian cuisine), or baking into sweet nutty treats such as healthy brownies, nut balls and slices. They also make a great pesto in combination with basil or coriander.