Cashews are one of the most popular nuts in the world. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be used in all kinds of recipes, including desserts, savory dishes, sauces and more. If you love cashews as much as we do then this article is for you! In it we’ll discuss everything from how to tell if your cashews are fresh to how many calories there are in a cup of these delicious nuts. So sit back, relax and enjoy this guide to everything you need to know about cashews!
What are cashews?
Cashew is a fruit that grows on trees, but it’s often referred to as a nut because of its appearance and texture. The cashew tree is native to South America, but now they can be found in Africa and Southeast Asia as well.
Cashews are related to pistachios and mangoes–they all come from the Anacardium occidentale plant! But unlike their relatives, cashews do not grow on trees; instead they grow on an evergreen shrub that can reach up to 15 feet tall (4 meters).
The cashew fruit grows on the end of a stem, and looks like a large green pear with waxy yellow skin. The fruit is also covered in spikes that can prick your fingers if you’re not careful! Inside the fruit are two lobes that hold several seeds.
The cashew tree is a tropical plant that needs heat and humidity to grow properly. Its leaves are dark green and shiny, with serrated edges that help them stand up to strong winds. The flowers on the cashew tree are small white and pink balls that hang in clusters from the branches.
The cashew tree grows best in sandy soil that is well drained, but can also tolerate a wide range of temperatures. It takes five to seven years for a cashew tree to produce nuts, which means that it’s very important to plant more than one!
Why are cashews good for you?
Cashews are a good source of protein, fiber and minerals. They’re also high in unsaturated fat.
Cashews contain iron, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc. The essential fatty acids in cashews may help reduce blood cholesterol levels when eaten as part of a low-fat diet that includes other foods rich in polyunsaturated fats such as fish oil or flaxseed oil (1). In addition to these nutrients, cashews provide several vitamins including thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) as well as vitamin E which plays an important role in maintaining healthy skin tissue
. Cashews are also a great source of minerals such as magnesium and copper. Magnesium is known for its ability to reduce the risk of heart disease, prevent osteoporosis, lower blood pressure and help stabilize blood sugar levels.
Copper is an essential nutrient that plays a role in the formation of red blood cells. It also helps regulate iron absorption and the body’s use of vitamin C (1).
One ounce of cashews contains approximately:
Calories: 160 grams Fat: 14 grams Saturated Fat: 1 gram Carbohydrates: 6 grams
How can you tell if cashews are fresh?
The best way to tell if cashews are fresh is by looking at their appearance. Cashews should be shiny, bright and free of blemishes. You can also check the weight of the cashews; if they’re too heavy, this might mean that they’ve been sitting around for too long (and therefore aren’t as fresh). If they feel light in your hand, it could mean that they have been sitting around for too long as well!
If you want to make sure that you’re getting high quality cashews every time you buy them online or from a store near where you live then there are some other factors that need consideration:
-The cashews should be free from blemishes and mold. -The cashews should not be too hard or soft, but rather between these two extremes. -They shouldn’t smell bad, as this indicates that they aren’t fresh anymore.
-The cashews should be firm and not soft. -They should not have any holes or cracks in them.
-The cashews should be clean and free of dust or dirt.
How long do cashews last?
Cashews are a popular nut, with their buttery flavor and rich texture. They’re also packed with nutrients: cashews contain more magnesium than any other nut or seed, as well as iron, copper and phosphorus.
And speaking of popularity, cashews are one of the most common ingredients in recipes across the globe. You’ll find them in curries from India; desserts from Thailand; candies from Brazil and Mexico; sauces from China…and on and on!
But how long do cashews last? And what should you do if your cashews go bad? We’ll answer these questions below so you can keep enjoying fresh-tasting cashews at home for months at a time!
How long do cashews last?
The shelf life of cashews depends on a few different factors.
First, the sell-by date of your cashews will tell you how long they’re good for. You can find this information on the package or in stores that sell cashews. If your cashews have a sell-by date, follow it to see how long they last. If not, look at the best by or use by dates when deciding whether to eat them or throw them away.
If you’re unsure of whether or not your cashews have gone bad, there are a few telltale signs that will help you figure it out. First, look at the container; if it has a strange odor or looks discolored in any way, throw it away. Next, open the lid and take a whiff; if your cashews smell musty or rancid, throw them away. Finally, taste one of the nuts—if it tastes bitter or off in any way (even slightly), throw it away immediately!
Do cashews grow on trees?
One of the most common questions we get is, “Do cashews grow on trees?” The answer to this question is yes and no. Cashews are actually seeds, not nuts like almonds or walnuts. They grow inside a fruit called a cashew apple which itself is inedible (although some people make juice out of it). Seeds from this fruit can be eaten raw or roasted as an alternative snack food to peanuts or almonds.
The cashew tree itself only grows in tropical climates, so if you live outside that region of the world you’ll need to purchase them online or at specialty stores near where you live if they’re available there at all!
The cashew tree itself can grow to be as tall as 50 feet (about 15 meters) and has long, green leaves. The fruit itself is a yellowish-orange color when ripe and inside contains the actual seed that we eat.
The cashew apple is actually the fruit of the cashew tree. It’s inedible because it’s extremely bitter and has a tough skin that needs to be removed before the seeds can be eaten.
The cashew tree is native to Brazil and its neighboring countries, but in recent years it has spread throughout the world. The United States is one of the top producers of cashews today, along with India and Vietnam.
Are cashews nuts, or what?
It’s easy to confuse cashews with their nutty cousins. But in reality, cashews are seeds–the seeds of a fruit that grows on trees in tropical climates around the world.
Cashew trees produce large fruits that look like mangos or melons; each one contains 20-30 small yellowish-brown nuts called “cashew apples.” The hard shell of these fruits protects their edible contents from spoiling until they’re ready for harvest (which happens after they fall from the tree). Once harvested, these juicy bits are dried out in the sun until they become crunchy and can be eaten raw or roasted over an open fire!
The cashew nut is surrounded by a thin, fibrous shell that’s easy to crack open with the help of an old-fashioned hammer or a modern day nutcracker. Once opened, you’ll be able to see its delicious insides: two halves of a white seed, which are covered with a thin brown skin. These halves can be eaten as is (salted or unsalted), roasted over an open fire for about 10 minutes until they develop a nice golden brown color,
or boiled in water for about 15 minutes until they’re soft enough to eat. The raw cashew nut has a sweet and slightly astringent taste, while the roasted or boiled versions are a bit more buttery and nutty in flavor. Use them as an ingredient in your favorite recipes or enjoy them on their own!
The cashew nut is a tasty, crunchy snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. It’s also an important ingredient in a number of dishes, such as curries, stir-fries and salads.
How many calories in a cup of cashews?
How many calories are in cashews?
A cup of cashews contains 612 calories, which is more than the average nut. But because it’s high in fat and protein, the calorie count isn’t as significant as it would be for other snacks. For example, a single serving of potato chips has about 160 calories per ounce (28 grams). A small bagel has about 150 calories per slice and 4 slices equals 800 calories!
So the average person would have to eat about 5 cups of cashews in order to reach their daily caloric needs. That’s a lot of cashews!
Cashews also contain a high amount of fat. A one-ounce serving (28 grams) contains 17 grams of fat, which is over half of the recommended daily intake. But this doesn’t mean you should avoid eating cashews or other nuts in general. The studies that have linked nuts with weight loss are based on people who eat them as part of a well-balanced diet.
That means eating nuts as a snack in addition to other healthy foods, not as a substitute for them. It also means you should choose raw or unsalted nuts over roasted and salted ones. But if you’re watching your weight, it’s best to eat cashews in moderation or avoid them altogether if necessary.
Are cashews good for me?
Cashews are a good source of fiber, which helps you feel full faster and for longer. They’re also rich in unsaturated fats that can help lower your cholesterol.
Cashews are high in protein and magnesium, which helps with muscle building, brain function and keeping your heart healthy. They also contain copper that’s needed to make red blood cells; iron for carrying oxygen around the body; vitamin K (which promotes bone health); manganese (which boosts immunity); zinc (an antioxidant) plus several B vitamins like niacin & riboflavin which help convert food into energy
. Chia seeds are a good source of plant-based protein, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. They’re rich in antioxidants like lutein & zeaxanthin which protect your eyes from age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They also contain calcium, magnesium and potassium to help keep your bones healthy.
Chia seeds are easy to add to your diet as they have no taste or smell, so it’s up to you how much of them you want in each serving. They can be added to smoothies, salads, baked goods or sprinkled on top of cereal and yogurt.
What are the health benefits of eating cashew nuts?
Cashews are rich in monounsaturated fats, which help lower cholesterol. They’re also a good source of magnesium and copper, both of which can help prevent heart disease and osteoporosis respectively.
Nuts are a great source of protein, which helps keep you full. They’re also high in vitamins and minerals like magnesium and copper, both of which have been linked to preventing heart disease and osteoporosis respectively.
Nuts are a great source of protein, which helps keep you full. They’re also high in vitamins and minerals like magnesium and copper, both of which have been linked to preventing heart disease and osteoporosis respectively. Nuts are a great source of protein, which helps keep you full. They’re also high in vitamins and minerals like magnesium and copper, both of which have been linked to preventing heart disease and osteoporosis respectively.
Getting the best quality and quantity at the best price
The quality of cashews is important because it affects the flavor and texture of your final product. You want to make sure that you’re getting high-quality nuts, so look for these qualities:
- Freshness – If they have been stored properly, cashews can last up to 18 months without losing their flavor or aroma. If they have been sitting around too long or stored improperly, these nuts will not taste as good as they should. Don’t buy them if they’ve been sitting around for more than six months!
- Flavor – Cashews should be flavorful with a mild nutty taste that isn’t overpowering at all; if there’s no discernible flavor at all (or if your nose detects any off odors), move on to another brand.
- Texture – Finally–and most importantly–make sure that each individual seed is intact before buying them; otherwise it will affect how well everything else comes together when making your dish later down the line!
It’s important to note that you will want to buy these nuts in bulk, as they are very expensive. If a package of cashews is marked as “salted” or “lightly salted,” then it has already been seasoned with salt; if not, then you may want to do this yourself instead of paying for it.
