Guest guest Posted November 13, 2001 Report Share Posted November 13, 2001 >>I have a question. Someone told me that cashews should not be used as they are poisonous if not cured right??? Has anyone ever heard if they should not be used???? LAC Hi Lavida, You heard correctly! Cashews, fresh from the field, have a toxic " shell " that we should not ingest. The harvested cashew nut is processed in the field during the harvest cycle, and the toxic shell is burned off. The toxins are left behind, but we recieve raw cashews in the market that are very dirty as a result. Have you ever purchased cashews and noticed some small black specks? These are from the charring process to remove that toxic shell. Always wash cashews well before using in cooking, due to remaining char and dirt. Sometimes I replace cashews in recipes with hazelnuts or brazil nuts and they turn out fine. There are other foods that are toxic if not properly *treated* first: soy beans, kidney beans, etc. Once cooked, washed, or charred they are safe. LaDonna Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2001 Report Share Posted November 13, 2001 Dear LaDonna, This is wonderful information... I never knew why I blanched them. My mother just always did it and told me it was because they were dirty, but never explained it. NOw I know.. This is great information. Thanks so much, Amy > You heard correctly! Cashews, fresh from the field, have a toxic " shell " that we should not ingest. The harvested cashew nut is processed in the field during the harvest cycle, and the toxic shell is burned off. The toxins are left behind, but we recieve raw cashews in the market that are very dirty as a result. Have you ever purchased cashews and noticed some small black specks? These are from the charring process to remove that toxic shell. Always wash cashews well before using in cooking, due to remaining char and dirt. Sometimes I replace cashews in recipes with hazelnuts or brazil nuts and they turn out fine. > > There are other foods that are toxic if not properly *treated* first: soy beans, kidney beans, etc. Once cooked, washed, or charred they are safe. > > LaDonna > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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