I know you see them in the stores labeled as “Raw Cashews”. But are they really raw? Most likely, no.
First of all we must define the word “raw”. Raw simply means that the product has not been heated, blanched, roasted, cooked or had its enzymes denatured in any way.
I hate to break it to you but most “raw” cashews are heated to get them out of the shell. So unfortunately, when you think you are eating healthier by buy cashews labeled as raw, they are actually not.
OK, hang on. All is not lost. There are a few companies that actually DO sell raw, never heated cashews.
These raw cashew nuts are shelled manually by utilizing specially-made cutters in order to remove the shells and release the cashew kernels. Kernels at this stage are still covered in a testa or thin skin.
Cashew kernels with testa/skin are dehydrated at maximum 40 degrees C (about 104 degrees F) for 12-16 hours in order to reduce moisture level to about 5%. This dehydration process is the reason the cashew looks a bit shriveled.
The testa/skin of the kernel is then removed manually by cloth gloves and a final quality check is done with a scalpel to remove any remaining skin or blemish.
Simply do an internet search for truly raw cashews or cold processed cashews and be prepared to pay a goodly price for them.
As always: “Live Like You Love Life”
Dr R
