goingreen serious ooo

• Cashews are also rich in many essential vitamins such as pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B-6), riboflavin, and thiamin (vitamin B-1). These vitamins are essential in the sense that our body requires them from external sources to replenish and essential for metabolism of protein, fat, and carbohydrates at cellular levels.
  
• In addition, the nuts are also containing small amount of Zea-xanthin, an important flavonoid antioxidant, which selectively absorbed into the retinal macula lutea in the eyes. It is thought to provide antioxidant and protective UV ray filtering functions and helps prevent age related macular degeneration (ARMD) in the elderly.
  

Selection and storage

Cashew nuts are available in the markets year around. In the stores, only shelled cashews are made available since shell contains phenolic resin, urushiol, which is a potent skin irritant toxin.

Different forms of cashews are available; raw, salted, sweetened or ground...etc. Buy shelled nuts that are bright cream-white in color, compact, uniform in size and feel heavy in hand. They should be free from cracks, mold, and spots and free of rancid smell.

Store shelled nuts inside airtight container and place in the refrigerator to avoid them turn rancid. Under ideal conditions, fresh nuts should last for 5-6 months.

• Cashews are eaten as a snack either on its own, salted or sweetened.

• Cashews are nutty yet pleasantly sweet in taste. They are relished as garnish in sweets and desserts.

• Cashews, along with almonds and other dry fruits are being used in various rice dishes hyderbadi-biriyani, rice-pulao...etc, and in curry (kaaju-shahi-paneer) preparations in Indian, Pakistani and Middle East regions.

• Crushed cashew with almonds, pistachio are often sprinkled over desserts, particularly sundaes, and other confectionary.

• The nuts are widely used in confectionery, as an addition to biscuits, sweets and cakes.

• "Cashew apples" are among popular fruits; eaten on their own in many regions of the world. They are also being used to make liquors.

Safety profile

Cashew nut allergy is common hypersensitivity condition in some individuals, especially in children. The reaction symptoms may range from simple skin itching (hives) to severe form anaphylactic manifestations including breathing difficulty, pain abdomen, vomiting, and diarrhea.

The allergic manifestations are due to chemical compound anacardic acid (urushiol) that is present in cashew apples, shells, and nuts. Cross-reactions also occurs with some other nuts and fruits of anacardiaceae family such as mango, pistachio etc.

Individuals with known allergic reactions to cashew nut and fruit may observe caution while eating them.