Smoked cashew nuts

Cashew nuts, originally from Latin America, were introduced to Southeast Asia during the 16th century. Our variety comes from the cashew tree, an oilseed tree native to Brazil, but now widely cultivated in tropical regions around the world, including India, Vietnam, and West Africa.

The cashew consists of an edible false fruit, called the cashew apple, which has a slightly tangy taste and a texture similar to an apple. This fruit can be consumed raw, juiced, or used to make alcoholic beverages such as wine. The nut itself is found at the end of the cashew apple, encased in a very hard shell. After meticulous shelling and steaming to remove the thin skin, we obtain the white, crescent-shaped kernel that we are familiar with.

Cashew nuts are cultivated in many tropical regions around the world, including Southeast Asia, particularly in Cambodia.

Growing conditions for Cashew nuts

• Climate : The cashew tree thrives in a warm and humid tropical climate. It prefers consistently high temperatures and does not tolerate cold or frost.
• Soil : It grows best in well-drained soils rich in organic matter. While the cashew tree is tolerant of various soil types, it prefers sandy or sandy-clay soils.

The Growth process

• Plantation: Cashew seeds are planted directly in the soil, usually after being pre-treated to improve germination. Young plants require careful attention during the first few years of growth to ensure optimal development.
• Initial Growth: During the early years, the cashew tree develops a robust root system and begins to form a trunk and branch structure.
• Flowering and Fruiting: The cashew tree typically flowers once a year, producing small white or pink flowers. These flowers are pollinated by wind or insects to produce cashew apples.
• Formation of Cashew Apples: Each fertilised flower develops into a cashew apple, which is a fleshy false fruit. When mature, the cashew apple is yellow or red and contains a single cashew nut at its base.
• Harvesting and Processing: Once the cashew apples are ripe, they are hand-harvested. The cashew nuts are then extracted from the apple, a delicate process because the cashew shell is toxic and requires careful handling.
• A Favourable Terroir: In Cambodia, the climatic conditions and soils are particularly favourable for cashew growth. The unique terroir of this region contributes to the superior quality of the cashew nuts produced, thanks to environmentally friendly farming practices and local expertise developed over the years.

Our cashew nuts are carefully roasted to enhance their natural flavour, then meticulously combined with our exclusive smoked blend. This artisanal smoking process uses Cambodian paprika, Kampot pepper, and Kampot salt PGI, ingredients renowned for their quality and distinctive taste.

The smoking is done without added oil, preservatives, artificial colours, or artificial flavours. This approach not only ensures an authentic taste experience but also preserves the cashew nuts naturally. The paprika and Kampot pepper impart smoky and slightly peppery notes that perfectly complement the naturally sweet taste of the cashew nuts. Check out our two other cashew-based products, with our cashew with salt and Kampot pepper or our cashews with turmeric and galanga for a more explosive flavour.

Cashew nuts are an excellent source of nutrients, offering numerous health benefits. Here are some reasons why they deserve a place in your daily diet:

Rich in Protein: Cashew nuts are a significant source of protein, essential for the growth and repair of body tissues. They can be particularly beneficial for vegetarians and vegans, providing a plant-based alternative to animal proteins.

High fibre content: The fibre in cashew nuts aids in good digestion. It helps regulate bowel movements, preventing constipation. Additionally, a high-fibre diet is associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes.

Unsaturated fatty acids: Cashew nuts contain unsaturated fatty acids, mainly monounsaturated fats, known for their beneficial effects on heart health. These fats help reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) levels and increase good cholesterol (HDL) levels, contributing to the prevention of cardiovascular diseases.

Source of Essential Vitamins: Cashew nuts are rich in vitamins such as:

• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant that protects cells from damage caused by free radicals.
• Vitamin K: Necessary for blood clotting and bone health.
• B Vitamins (B1, B6, B5): Important for energy metabolism and brain health.

Essential Minerals: Cashew nuts are an excellent source of minerals such as:

• Magnesium: Essential for over 300 biochemical reactions in the body, including muscle and nerve function, maintaining a regular heartbeat, and bone health.
• Zinc: Plays a crucial role in the immune system, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis, and cell division.
• Iron: Necessary for the production of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen in the blood.
• Antioxidants: Cashew nuts also contain antioxidants, which help protect cells from oxidative damage. Antioxidants can reduce inflammation and are associated with a lower risk of chronic diseases.

Bone Health: Thanks to their magnesium and vitamin K content, cashew nuts contribute to bone health. Magnesium plays a key role in bone formation, while vitamin K is essential for maintaining bone density.

Benefits for Skin and Hair: Cashew nuts, rich in copper, promote the production of melanin, a pigment that protects the skin and hair. Copper also contributes to the production of collagen and elastin, which keep the skin firm and elastic.

By incorporating cashew nuts into your diet, you can enjoy these many benefits while savouring a delicious and nutritious snack.

Smoked Cashews add a crunchy, smoky flavour to many recipes. Here are a few ideas for using them in your cooking:

• Gourmet salad: Sprinkle crushed smoked cashew nuts over a mixed salad with grilled vegetables, greens, and optional meat. Enhance it with a dressing made from our Smoked Chili Sauce.
• Creamy pasta: Incorporate crushed smoked cashew nuts into creamy pasta dishes to add a crunchy texture and a smoky aroma.
• Cashew Nut butter: Spread smoked cashew nut butter on toast or use it as a base for a salad dressing, such as a smoky Caesar salad dressing.
• Original tapenade: Blend smoked cashew nuts with olives, olive oil, and garlic to create an original tapenade to spread on toasted bread.
• Appetizer bites: Use smoked cashew nuts as an ingredient in appetizer bites with fresh goat cheese and herbs.
• Creamy soup garnish: Sprinkle smoked cashew nuts on creamy soups like butternut squash soup to add a crunchy texture and smoky taste.
• Avocado toast Topping: Add smoked cashew nuts to avocado toast with a squeeze of lemon and some chili flakes for a healthy breakfast.

These suggestions will help you fully enjoy the distinctive flavour of smoked cashew nuts in a variety of dishes, from starters to sides.

Smoked Cashew Nuts should be consumed quickly after opening to maintain their crunch and flavour. Once opened, they can rapidly lose their freshness. The best way to preserve their taste is to store them in an airtight container.