Cashew Nuts a Tasty Treat

Cashews are actually seeds. Portuguese explorers discovered them in the 16th Century in South America. Today they are the top selling nut worldwide.

To get their full nutrition it is best to eat them raw and not roasted. Organic cashews are now available in many countries. High in vitamin A, fiber, protein, iron, magnesium, phosphorous, zinc, copper and manganese they are excellent for Vegans.

Cashew nuts have a fairly high oil content but it is less than most other popular nuts like almonds, pecans and peanuts. Their unsaturated fatty acid is oleic acid which promotes cardiovascular health. They have a high energy density and which has made them popular with athletes.

Always check that the cashews are fresh and not shriveled and show no sign of insect damage. With their high oil content they easily go rancid so should be stored in a sealed container in a cool dry place. They can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Cashews are wonderful as a snack either on their own or mixed with dried fruit. Great for breakfast when blended in smoothies or sprinkled on top of cereal. They make an excellent nut butter and are very tasty when added to stir-frys.

Enjoy !

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Recipes of the Day

Cashew Nut Pesto
from BBC Food
by Tony Tobin (Ready Steady Cook)

2 garlic cloves
1 large handful fresh basil
1 large handful flatleaf parsley
1 tbsp breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
salt
1 handful cashew nuts
toasted ciabatta, to serve

Place all of the ingredients, except the ciabatta, into a food processor and blend until smooth.
Serve spread thickly onto the toasted ciabatta. Serves 1

Cashew Nut 'Hummus' with pitta bread
from BBC Food
by Brian Turner (from Ready Steady Cook)

5 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
1 tbsp olive oil
1 lemon, juice only
salt and freshly ground black pepper
30g/1oz cashew nuts
To serve
2 pitta breads, cut in half and toasted

Blend the garlic, oil, lemon juice, seasoning and cashew nuts in a food processor until combined and smooth, adding extra oil if necessary.
Transfer the cashew nut hummus to a serving dish and serve the toasted pitta breads alongside. Serves 2

Carrot Slaw With Cashews
from Organic Cashew Nuts
by Yamuna's Table: Healthful Vegetarian Cuisine

3 cups carrots, shredded
1 quart boiling water
1/2 serrano chile, seeded and minced
2 tbsp lime juice
1/2 tbsp maple syrup
2 tbsp cashew pieces, toasted
1 tbsp cilantro , chopped

Place carrots in a colander. Pour boiling water over them, drain well. Combine chile, lime juice and maple syrup in a bowl and whisk with a fork. Add carrots, cashews, and cilantro and toss to mix. Serve at room temperature or chilled. Serves 4

Tags : cashews cashew+nuts vegan+recipes vegan+diet