Have you eaten raw cashews before? Did their soft texture surprise and impress you? Glenda’s Farmhouse natural, raw cashews are unroasted, unsalted, and have been pasteurized using steam treatment, removing any harmful toxins or pathogens on the product. They are safe to eat raw and are far more versatile in the kitchen than roasted and salted cashews.
Glenda’s Farmhouse is an Andersen & Sons Shelling brand. Since 1904, our family has been farming walnuts, prunes, and cattle in Vina, California, in Northern California. We have merged with Western Nut Company and are expanding into new brands and other tree nut commodities, such as cashews, almonds, and pecans.
Eat Safe Cashews
Cashews naturally contain a toxin called urushiol. While urushiol is in all parts of the plant, including the roots, stem, and leaves, it may also sit in the oil between the cashew shell and nut inside.
Coming into contact with urushiol commonly results in allergic contact dermatitis, a delayed skin rash in humans that’s similar to one you might experience after exposure to poison ivy.
At Andersen Shelling, our Stein JSP-1 Jet Stream Pasteurizer uses a steam and heat treatment method that eliminates salmonella and other pathogens without compromising the integrity of the raw nut. It has been verified to run cashews. There is no other pasteurizer like it. It operates at high temperatures yet processes the product passing through with virtually no damage to the nut surface, acting as a kill-step for any harmful presence that may exist on the cashews.
Benefits of a Diet Rich in Raw Cashews
Cashews are a kidney-shaped seed that comes from the cashew tree — a tropical tree native to Brazil but cultivated today in various warm climates across the world.
Just like other commercially-available nuts, raw cashews may help improve your overall health. They can be eaten as-is and included in a variety of dishes, including salads and entrees.
Nutritional Value – Raw pasteurized cashews contain copper, magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorous, iron, selenium, thiamine, vitamin K, and vitamin B6. You will also find plenty of fiber, unsaturated fats, and plant proteins.
Antioxidants – Raw cashews are an excellent source of two types of antioxidants – polyphenols and carotenoids. These are plant-based compounds that cancel out malignant molecules called free-radicals, reducing inflammation in the body and boosting the immune system.
Heart Healthy – Studies indicate that regular consumption of raw cashews can reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol and increase HDL (good) cholesterol, reducing your chances of developing heart disease or strokes. They have also been shown to reduce blood pressure and triglycerides and assist in blood clotting.
Strengthen Bones – About two-thirds of the magnesium in our bodies is in our bones. Because raw cashews are an excellent source of magnesium, regular consumption can lead to stronger bones and reduce the chances of developing osteoporosis.
Helps Manage Type 2 Diabetes – The dietary fiber in raw cashews prevents spikes in blood sugar levels. Studies also show that regularly eating raw cashews can prevent the development of type 2 diabetes.
Combat Depression – Raw cashews contain an amino acid called L-tryptophan. When broken down by the body to niacin and serotonin, it can combat anxiety and help foster a sense of well-being.
The Bottom Line
Raw cashews contain vitamins, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds. They are also known to help with blood sugar control and heart health. To learn more about raw cashews and the benefits of eating them, reach out to Glenda’s Farmhouse at 530.839.2236 or complete our online contact form.