Cashew Day - Nov 22

Did you ever wonder where cashews come from? You might think they grow inside a shell like any other nut, but their true origins are far more bizarre.

Cashews are not actually nuts, but rather fruits from the cashew tree, a large evergreen tree that thrives in tropical climates and is native to northeastern Brazil. The tree produces red flowers, which in turn produce yellow and red oval structures resembling apples. These so-called cashew apples are very juicy and pulpy, and their juice is often added to tropical fruit drinks. Cashew apples are not appreciated in the United States, but they are considered delicacies in Brazil and the Caribbean. Cashews are always sold shelled because the interior of the shells contains a caustic resin known as cashew balm. The cashew balm must be carefully removed before the nuts are fit for consumption. The caustic resin is used to make varnishes and insecticides.

Need some serving ideas for cashews?

• Combining cashews with other nuts and dried fruits makes a healthy snack.
• Right before taking off the heat, add cashews to healthy sautéed vegetables.
• Healthy sauté cashews with shrimp, basil and green beans for a delightful Thai inspired dish.
• Cashews with a little bit of maple syrup make a great topping for hot cereals.
• Add cashew butter to breakfast soy or rice milk shakes to up their protein content (a quarter-cup of cashews provides over 5 grams of protein) and give them a creamy nutty taste.

Check out the recipes in Flavorful Fortified Food - Recipes to Enrich Life and consider adding cashews as an alternative to add additional variety to a number of the recipes. Don't have a copy? Order your copy today!

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