Cashew nuts are delicious crunchy nuts packed with energy, antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that are essential for robust health. Although the nuts are gotten from the cashew tree and may look ugly, their health benefits cannot be overemphasized.
Cashew nut is gotten from the outer, hard shell of the cashew fruit. It is the inner, edible kernel. The hard cashew shell composes of a toxic phenolic resin, urushiol; a potent caustic skin irritant toxin. It should, therefore, be eliminated. During processing, the whole cashew is treated under the high flame to destroy urushiol resin. Thus roasted cashew becomes safe to handle with bare hands.
Just like some other nuts, they are rich in “heart-friendly” monounsaturated fatty acids like oleic, and palmitoleic acid which help lower harmful LDL-cholesterol while increasing good HDL cholesterol in the blood.
Consuming cashew nuts a day would provide enough essential minerals needed in the body and may help prevent deficiency diseases. They are also good sources of essential vitamins such as Pyridoxine which reduces the risk of homocystinuria and Niacin which helps prevent “pellagra” or dermatitis.
Also, people who are trying to reduce some weight are advised to consume more cashew nuts as it reduces body weight and keeps the stomach full for a longer period thereby reducing hunger pangs.
Cashews can be roasted in an oven preheated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for about 12 to 15 minutes. There have been several varieties and tastes achieved. Whatever variety you choose, be sure to enjoy the outcome.
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Here are a few ways to achieve a yummy cashew nut
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Basic Roasted Cashews:-
Heat the cashew nut in a preheated oven or frying pan with oil(coconut oil, grapeseed oil, etc). Heat till the nuts turn brown releasing a delicious aroma. Add salt and then allow it to cool before serving. You can also roast the dry cashew without oil.
2. Honey Roasted Cashew Nuts:-
Heat the oven and line the tray,/pan with aluminum foil to prevent the nuts from sticking to the pan. Mix honey, maple syrup, butter, salt, vanilla, and sugar in a mixing bowl and stir till all ingredients are mixed properly. Add the cashew to the honey mix and stir. Spread the cashews on the baking tray/pan. Stir at interval and allow to roast for 7-10 minutes. Sprinkle sugar and salt on the cashew nuts and stir to distribute evenly. Allow to cool and then serve.
3. Rosemary Roasted Cashew Nuts:-
Preheat the oven and then spread the cashew nuts evenly on the pan/tray. Heat the nuts for about 5 minutes and stir to allow all sides to be cooked. Heat till you get the desired doneness. Mix fresh rosemary, cayenne pepper, brown sugar, salt, and melted butter. Toss the cashew into the mixture and stir evenly. Allow to cool before serving.
4. Sweet and Spicy Roasted Cashews:-
Preheat the oven and line the tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Mix the honey and chili pepper. If the mixture is thick, heat a little to achieve a liquid mixture. You can also add honey and maple syrup to the mixture. Pour the cashew into the mixture and stir. Spread the cashews evenly on the baking tray/pan. Roast for about 5-10 minutes stirring at interval. Allow to cool and then sprinkle with sugar and salt.
