CASHEWS

Western Commodities import specially selected organic cashews from India. We can supply whole cashews (W320’s), large white pieces (LWP’s) and we can also produce diced cashews and mixed diced nuts in our processing facility in the UK.

The cashew tree is evergreen. It grows up to 12 metres high and has a spread of 25 metres. Its extensive root system allows it to tolerate a wide range of moisture levels and soil types and is now widely grown in tropical climates for its cashew "nuts" and cashew apples.

The cashew fruit is unusual in comparison with other tree nuts since the nut is outside the fruit. The cashew apple is an edible false fruit, attached to the externally born nut by a stem.

In the main producing areas of East Africa and India, 95% or more of the cashew apple crop is not eaten, as the taste is not popular. However, in some parts of South America and West Africa, local inhabitants regard the apple, rather than the nut kernel, as a delicacy. In North Eastern Brazil where the plant is native, the apple is used to manufacture jams, and soft and alcoholic drinks.

Cashew Nuts, like all nuts, are an excellent source of protein and fibre. They are rich in mono-unsaturated fat which may help protect the heart. Cashew nuts are also a good source of potassium, B vitamins and folate. They contain useful amounts of magnesium, phosphorous, selenium and copper.