cashew

Cashew

The cashew, a kidney-shaped nut with a subtly sweet and buttery flavor, is a popular ingredient enjoyed worldwide. These smooth, pale-colored nuts offer a satisfyingly firm yet yielding texture. Often lightly roasted to enhance their natural flavors, cashews are a versatile ingredient that provides both nutritional value and culinary appeal. They are rich in healthy fats and minerals, making them a delightful and nutritious addition to your diet. Raw cashews have a mild taste; roasting intensifies their flavor and gives them a more golden color.

Common Uses

  • As a creamy, plant-based base for vegan sauces, dips, and desserts: Cashews soaked in water can be blended into a smooth cream, providing a dairy-free alternative for enriching sauces and creating delicious vegan desserts like cheesecakes and ice cream.
  • Roasted and salted as a satisfying snack: Cashews, lightly roasted and sprinkled with sea salt, make a crunchy and flavorful snack enjoyed on their own or in trail mixes.
  • As a crunchy topping for salads and stir-fries: Chopped or whole cashews add a delightful crunch and subtle sweetness to salads and stir-fries, enhancing both the texture and flavor of the dish.
  • Ground into cashew butter, a healthy spread: Cashew butter, made by grinding cashews into a smooth paste, is a nutritious spread perfect for toast, sandwiches, or adding to smoothies.
  • Added to curries and stews for richness and texture: Cashews contribute a creamy texture and subtle sweetness to curries and stews, thickening the sauce and adding a layer of flavor complexity.
  • In baking, to add a nutty flavor and appealing texture to cookies and cakes: Chopped or ground cashews bring a nutty richness and delightful texture to baked goods such as cookies, cakes, and breads.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

157.0kcal (7.85%)

Protein

5.2g (10.34%)

Carbs

9.2g (3.33%)

Sugars

1.7g (3.36%)

Healthy Fat

9.0g

Unhealthy Fat

2.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Health Benefits

  • May improve heart health due to healthy fats and antioxidants.
  • Can help manage blood sugar levels with their low glycemic index.
  • Supports bone health with magnesium and calcium.
  • Rich in antioxidants like polyphenols, protecting cells from damage.
  • May promote weight management due to being a source of protein and fiber.

Substitutes

Storage Tips

Store cashews in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Roasted cashews can be kept at room temperature for about a month, while raw cashews are best stored in the refrigerator or freezer to prevent them from going rancid. Refrigerated cashews can last up to six months, and frozen cashews can last for up to a year. Make sure to check for any off odors before consuming.

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