Fancy Grade Cashews

Cashews are kidney-shaped seeds that grow inside a shell attached to the bottom of the cashew apple. They are native to Brazil but are now grown in many tropical regions. After harvesting, the shells are removed, and the cashews are typically roasted or steamed to neutralize natural oils before further processing.

Cashews are often eaten as a snack, either roasted or raw, and salted or unsalted. They are also used whole, chopped, or ground into cashew butter or cream in a variety of dishes, including stir-fries, curries, desserts, and sauces. Their creamy texture makes them a popular ingredient in vegan cheeses and dairy alternatives.

Cashews are a source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use in food. While cashews are nutrient-dense, they are also calorie-dense, so portion control is advisable for those monitoring their intake. Regulatory bodies like EFSA have evaluated nuts and seeds, but specific evaluations for cashews in terms of health implications at typical intake levels are not widely publicized.