Go nuts with Cashews!

Did you know that the nuts we all love to snack on, and which form a very prominent part of the Indian serving tray are in fact imports. Cashews were actually native to Brazil and were brought to Indian shores by the Portuguese between 1560 and 1565. Ever since they landed in Goa, they have been an interesting part of our cuisine and are the most favored nuts when it comes to snacks. And why shouldn’t they be? After all, they can be had plain, roasted, lightly salted or even sugared. They also have several nutritional properties, making them all the more popular.

Cashews have been found to have one of the lowest fat contents, when compared to other nuts. This makes them one of the healthiest options for dieters and those who like to keep a watch on what they eat. And, the fat that they do have also comes under the “good fat” category, the sort that helps keep your heart healthy. It has also been found that cashews have one of the highest total antioxidant content, endowing them with their unique cardio-protective benefits.

It is no wonder then that cashews have found a way not just into our living rooms, but also our kitchens. They are used to garnish curries, rice dishes as well as sweets. Cashews are also used in paste form to lend curries a unique rich flavor along with making that thick, luscious sauce. In fact, no korma dish is complete without a good dose of cashew paste. It is also said that eating a handful of cashews 4 times a week helps lower the risk of cardiovascular and coronary heart diseases.

So make the most of these nutty delights!