CATCHING UP WITH CASHEWS: THE WONDERNUT

6 January 2025 Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

Cashewnuts come from fruit-producing trees, the fruit also known as the cashew apple which resembles a bell pepper is what is called a false fruit, a fascinating sight of nature and a master of deception the real fruit dangles from the bottom of the cashew apple guarding within it a single seed known to us a cashew nuts which is commonly considered a snack nut eaten on its own and used in recipes or processed into cashew cheese or cashew butter as well for vegan cooking.

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In its raw form, the cashew kernel is soft, white and meaty, when roasted it enhances its taste and colour. Among various varieties like almonds and hazelnuts, cashew nuts enjoy a topmost position and it is hard to resist as a snack at all important social functions, especially in the West. It is also believed that around four centuries ago the adventurous Portuguese came sailing down the Indian coast and brought along the priceless tree and nut called cashew also known as the wonder nut of the world.

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Let us check out a few health benefits of the wonder cashew nuts:

Cashew is known as an energising food and is also high in dietary fibre.
Cashew is also a good source of minerals and proteins.
Cashew is a cholesterol nut and is healthy for us.
Cashews are high in levels of anti-oxidants.
Cashew helps maintain healthy gums and teeth.
Cashew nuts have a high copper content and are vital in energy production.
Cashews are heart-friendly food though must be consumed in moderation.

Uses of Cashewnuts in Cooking & Baking:

Cashews have been popularly served plain, with the skin on, roasted, salted and even fried and spiced as a snack.
Cashews are a great thickening agent in our Indian curries and gravy recipes.
Cashewnuts go well into our sweets, mithai like Kaju Katri and Kaju burfi, as well as puddings, pies, tarts and muffins.
Cashews are good to use as a garnish for our Indian sweets like phirni, kheer, basundi, etc.
Cashews in biscuits, cookies, chocolates, milkshakes, smoothies and health power drinks also work well.
Cashewnuts have also been a part of stuffing and fillings for cutlets, samosas, Kachories and many savoury dishes including being added into biryanis and pulao.

Here are a few interesting and Yummy Recipes with Cashewnuts!

Recipe-1] PEPPERY CASHEW STIR FRY

Recipe-2] HEALTHY WHOLESOME CASHEW BROTH

Recipe- 3] CASHEW CORN FRIED RICE

Recipe-4] CASHEW COCONUT CHICKEN TRIO

Recipe-5] KAJU INDIANA MASALA

Recipe-6] CASHEW AND FOX NUT PUDDING

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About the author

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani

Dr. Kaviraj Khialani, celebrity master chef is a Mumbai based food and hospitality consultant. He is specialised in over 33 plus international cuisines & is a two times national award winner for his excellence in his field of expertise. Chef Kaviraj has worked with some of the reputed hotel chains & airline companies in India & Overseas. He is a renowned academician, food designer & author- writer on food and culinary features, besides having been featured on Colors Television & Star plus he loves trying global fusion cooking promoting Indian food on an international platter for the diaspora.