The cashew plant is native to Brazil and was introduced to India in the second half of the 16th century as a crop to control soil erosion. Today it is a valuable cash crop, grown on the slopes of the mountainous regions on the east and west coasts of India.

All those pictures with the cashew perched on top of its mother fruit should tell you that cashews are seeds of the cashew plant, but with a difference. They grow OUT of the heart or heart of the fruit!

Cashew nuts uses

A handful of cashews or kaju is the tastiest snack. Cashews are used to garnish curries and sweets, and are made into a paste and used to enrich sauces. Who hasn’t heard of kaju barfi or craved a kaju barfi or served the side of sliced ​​kajus on top of a halwa?

Nutritional value

At 100 g. serving of kaju provides 553 calories. Walnuts are rich in fat, protein, and dietary fiber. They are rich sources of minerals that include iron, potassium, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, phosphorus, and magnesium. Kaju also contains thiamine, vitamin B6, and vitamin K.

100 grams of raw cashew contains 113 mg of beta-sitosterol, which has considerable medicinal value.

Cashews are rich in nutrients. Eating a handful of cashews has many health benefits.

Rich in vitamins

The nutritional profile of cashews shows us how rich they are in vitamins that are so essential for the functioning of our body.

Vitamin B6 is the key to more than 100 enzymatic reactions in our body and is necessary to metabolize proteins at the cellular level.

Thiamine or vitamin B1 is essential to prevent deficiency diseases such as beriberi, inflammation of the nerves or neuritis associated with pellagra or deficiencies during pregnancy. Thiamine is also beneficial for kidney health in people with type 2 diabetes and prevents memory loss, including that caused by Alzheimer’s. Thiamine is essential for the human body to make proper use of carbohydrates.

Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting to prevent excessive bleeding. Recent studies have suggested that it is beneficial for bone health, especially for preventing osteoporosis and steroid-induced bone loss.

A handful of kaju is really a vitamin supplement, and it is delicious too!

Mineral wealth is a blessing for health

Cashews are a good iron supplement: the mineral is essential to keep anemia at bay.

Selenium is an important micronutrient necessary for the formation of antioxidants that ensure heart health.

Minerals like copper, manganese, and zinc are necessary for bone health, digestion, DNA synthesis, sexual functions, eyesight, etc. In fact, all these essential minerals activate and control all the functions of our body.

Beta-sitosterol benefits

This plant ester found in cashews is nature’s blessing. It stimulates the immune system, prevents colon cancer, and is good for the gallbladder by stopping the formation of gallstones. It is also useful in treating migraines, hair loss, bronchitis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Cashews are also recommended for a pleasant night’s rest, especially during menopause.

Some common misconceptions

Cashews are high in fat. But these are mostly unsaturated fats. You can get 67% of your daily value for fat in 100 grams of kaju. Cashews also contain 17% saturated fat; this is more than the 6% that walnuts and almonds contain, but not so much of a difference as to put them on a forbidden food list! If you have to choose between an equivalent amount of fries or any other type of fast food and cashews, go for the latter! Kaju is more nutritionally beneficial – this is not some “empty calorie” type of snack.

There are a few who have tree nut and peanut allergies. People with known allergic reactions should be careful.

Since cashews are so rich in nutrients, it would be a good idea to eat them substituting empty calories as fried snacks rather than adding them to your usual caloric intake.

It is better to eat raw cashews, but no one should deny yourself the pleasure of the roasted and spiced variety in one sitting.

How to store

Cashews generally stay fresh for up to a month. Store in a bottle or container with a tight lid.

If you have more than you can use, you can keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4-6 months.

If you have a lot in a kind of Diwali bonanza, then it’s best to keep them in the freezer.

Kajus can be purchased anywhere from your local grocery store to exclusive nut stores. A good brand ensures that the cashews you are buying have been stored well and are free of pests.

Kaju also comes in different grades. The larger the size of the walnut, the more expensive it will be. These nuts are also more valued and expensive when they are whole. The problem with buying whole walnuts is that you don’t know what they can hold inside. This is why you should buy from a reputable brand or store to get the best value for your money.

Include cashews in your diet to supplement your nutritional intake. Add them to your morning cereal. Use kaju paste instead of cream to give your sauces a thick texture and creamy flavor. Or just grab a handful and enjoy your day while you chew.