Cashew kernels

Cashew kernels are rich in many essential nutrients and are highly popular for their mild, nutty flavour and their delicate consistency. Buy cashew kernels from August Töpfer & Co. and benefit from top quality at fair prices.

About cashew kernels

The cashew tree grows in regions with a tropical climate, where it produces the kidney-shaped seeds. The fruits of the tree are called cashew apples, which stand out on cashew plantations. On the lower end of the fruit is the actual product: the cashew nuts measuring 2-4 centimetres in length. According to the botanical definition, cashew kernels are therefore not strictly nuts but the stones of drupes. They comprise a woody, brown shell that surrounds the light-coloured cashew kernels. The fruit spoils quickly and cannot be transported far for this reason. Instead, they are traditionally used in the countries of origin to produce juices, jams, chutneys and schnaps. Cashew apples are rich in antioxidants and vitamins. By contrast, cashew kernels are exported worldwide and are the reason why the cashew tree is cultivated in many tropical countries across different continents.

Cultivation and origin

The origin of the cashew tree lies in Brazil. The local people valued the tree primarily for its deep root network, which prevented ground erosion in regions with heavy rainfall. In the 16th century, Portuguese conquistadors propagated the cashew tree in the course of colonisation and began actively cultivating cashews on plantations. Meanwhile, the countries of origin of cashew kernels are much more diversified and span the tropical regions of Africa, Asia and Latin America. At the beginning of the 20th century, India established itself as a centre for manual processing. This country continues to be one of the biggest and most important cultivators of cashew kernels today. Since the 1990s, Indonesia and Vietnam have also been engaging in significant production and their cashew kernels are likewise available from the wholesale trade.

Harvest and processing of cashew kernels

Cashew kernels are situated in a higher price segment than other nuts in the wholesale trade. This is because of the intensive nature of the harvest and processing of the nuts, and also due to the fact that each cashew apple only usually contains one kernel. The main harvest season for cashew apples and kernels is between January and May. Ripe fruits fall to the ground and spoil relatively quickly. For this reason, they are usually harvested earlier to prevent rotting. Cashew plantations use large nets to catch the fruits.

The harvest is followed by processing, whereby the cashew nuts are dried. The warmth of the sun is traditionally used for this, drying the cashew kernels within two to three days. Today, however, modern processes involving machine drying and temperatures of up to 90 °C are mainly employed. In both cases, drying allows the kernels to be stored and prevents possible mould infestations.

With cashew kernels, it’s important to remove the shells. This is because they contain an oil that is toxic to humans. Thermal treatment with water vapour or roasting makes the shell brittle and easier to remove. Cashew kernels that have undergone this process are also frequently called raw, even though they are no longer technically raw. Truly untreated cashew kernels in fresh quality are seldom available and carry a much higher price. These are heated only up to a maximum of 45 °C in the production process.

During the last processing step, the fine skin is removed. The gentlest way to do this is by hand, as this best protects the cashew kernels from damage. To extend the shelf life of the nut kernels, dry and cool storage is advisable. The optimal temperature is between 10 and 18 °C. After opening the packaging, it’s important to ensure an airtight seal. This prevents the formation of mould and the spoiling of the nuts.

The healthy contents of cashew kernels

Cashew kernels are valued for their delicate, mild and nutty flavour. Compared to other nuts, they have a soft consistency. But it’s also a good idea to take a closer look at the contents of cashews. This is because the kernels are rich in protein, vitamins and minerals.

High protein content

The most well-known sources of protein come from animals. These include meat, eggs and dairy products. But cashew kernels are a valuable source of protein and an alternative to animal products. Up to 18 grams of high-quality, plant-based protein are contained in every 100 grams of cashews. This equates to a protein content of almost 20 percent. Peanuts and almonds have a similarly high protein content. Cashew kernels are especially practical for vegetarian or vegan diets as well as for athletes and muscle development.

Unsaturated fatty acids

Cashew kernels contain simple and complex unsaturated fatty acids that have positive health benefits for the cardiovascular system, reduce blood pressure and can also help reduce cholesterol. In comparison with other nut varieties, cashews contain fewer calories and less fat. The kernels have a high amount of fibre that provides a feeling of satiety, without increasing the blood sugar level.

Minerals and vitamins

The minerals magnesium and phosphorous have a positive effect on muscles, nerves, the heart, bones and teeth. What’s more, magnesium improves concentration and strengthens the musculature. The kernels are therefore often found in trail and nut mixes. Other minerals contained in cashew kernels include potassium, copper, iron and zinc. Alongside magnesium, the latter two minerals strengthen the immune system. Moreover, cashew kernels are rich in vitamins including vitamins B1, B2, B5, B6, E and K.

Amino acids

Besides the benefits for physical health, consuming cashew kernels can also have positive psychological effects. Cashew nuts contain the amino acid tryptophan, which our body uses to create serotonin. This is known as the happiness hormone; it has an anti-depressant effect and promotes relaxation as well as healthy sleep.

Nutritional value of cashew kernels

The following table shows the average nutritional value of cashews. Compared to other nut kernels, cashews are particularly low in fat and calories. While they contain around 550 kilocalories per 100 grams, the value for hazelnuts and walnuts is around 650 kilocalories. Containing around 40 percent fat, cashew kernels also have much less fat than the average value for nuts, which lies at around 60 percent.

Cashew kernels	per 100 grams
Calories	550 kilocalories
Carbohydrates	30 grams
Protein	15-21 grams
Fat	40-42 grams
Fibre	2-3 grams

Acid-alkaline ratio

An unbalanced diet as well as an unhealthy lifestyle can result in the body’s metabolism weakening and increased acid load in the body. This is also associated with physical complaints. This can be countered by consuming alkaline food. Nuts generally belong to the category of alkaline food. Cashew kernels are an exception with their acid-alkaline ratio and are an acidifying food. However, a balanced acid-alkaline ratio is important to health. For this reason, these nut varieties also play a role in a healthy and balanced diet due to their essential nutrients and high mineral and vitamin content. Alkaline nuts include Almonds, Brazil nuts, Macadamia nuts and pumpkin seeds, for example.

The versatility of cashew kernels

Cashew nuts are highly versatile. The following list gives just some popular examples of ways they can be used:

For dips and sauces
As an ingredient in various recipes such as wok dishes, risotto or pasta
As a topping in salads
As an ingredient for baking bread and cake
As a snack and ingredient in nut mixes
As a vegan source of protein
As a substitute for milk, butter or cream
In muesli
Processed into plant oil or cashew paste

Cashew kernel varieties in the wholesale trade

The choice of cashew nuts available at the wholesaler – the different types and qualities – is just as diverse as the ways they can be used. The kernels are available natural, roasted, salted, spiced as well as caramelised.

The various sizes of the cashews are denoted as W450, W320, W240, W210 and W180. The smaller the number, the larger the cashew kernels in the wholesale trade. These size designations also indicate that the products are of the highest quality.

Broken pieces of nut typically arise from the machine processing of cashew kernels. These pieces are also suitable for processing and sale and are available pre-packaged from wholesaler August Töpfer & Co. The abbreviation in “chopped cashews LP” stands for “large pieces” and refers to chopped cashews that fit through a sieve with a mesh size of 4.75 millimetres. By contrast, “SP” stands for “small pieces”.

Ground cashew nuts are particularly suitable for processing into vegan cheese or vegan cream. Cashew flour is produced from especially small and unsellable pieces. Unlike conventional flour, the cashew flour contains a high amount of protein.

No pesticides are used in the cultivation of organic cashew kernels and chopped organic cashews. This not only has a positive effect on the nut kernels, but also protects the soil and the harvest workers. Unshelled cashew kernels are not available in the wholesale trade due to their toxicity. If you wish, however, you can purchase kernels whose skin has not been removed during the production process.

Our cashews kernels are certified:

Cashew nuts from wholesaler August Töpfer & Co.

As a wholesaler, August Töpfer & Co. sources cashew nuts mainly from the top producing country, India. To ensure consistent delivery all year round, we also work with suppliers from Vietnam, Brazil, Tanzania, Indonesia, Nigeria, the Ivory Coast, Ghana and Mozambique. Our product range includes different varieties of cashew kernels, such as roasted or roasted and salted. We also offer these products to our customers in different flavours. You can also buy the following cashew nuts:

Organic cashew kernels
Chopped cashew kernels in different sizes
A choice of common sizes of cashew kernels
Bulk packaged cashews, also in organic quality

Besides cashew nuts, the wholesaler offers a wide range of other Nut kernelssuch as pecan nuts, almonds and almond preparations as well as walnuts.