Coleção: Castanha de Caju

Sri Lankan cashews, often called Ceylon cashews, have earned a reputation as some of the finest in the world, and there are several reasons why. The Spring Tree Corporation of USA once declared that the tastiest cashew in the world is the product from Sri Lanka, and buyers from the USA, Canada, UK, Japan, Australia, and the Middle East increasingly depend on Sri Lanka for their premium cashew needs.

The most obvious difference is size. Cashews are graded internationally by "count," which refers to how many kernels fit in one pound. The bulk of cashews on the global market are 320-count (smaller nuts). Sri Lankan cashews are predominantly 180, 210, and 240-count, meaning they're significantly larger than average. Over 85% of Sri Lankan exports consist of these bigger grades, making them some of the largest cashews commercially available. DRUERA's customers frequently comment on the impressive size of the nuts they receive.

Beyond size, Ceylon cashews have a distinctive milky, creamy flavor that sets them apart from cashews grown in other regions like Vietnam, India, or West Africa. This unique taste comes from Sri Lanka's tropical climate, soil conditions, and traditional processing methods. The island's dry zone provides ideal growing conditions that contribute to the cashews' characteristic sweetness and buttery texture.

Processing methods also contribute to quality. Sri Lanka uses a combination of manual and mechanical techniques that help preserve the natural goodness of the kernels. Traditional hand-shelling by skilled workers (over 95% of cashews are processed at cottage industry level) results in a very high percentage of whole nuts rather than broken pieces. The kernels are roasted in electric ovens under low heat for over three hours, then de-husked, graded, and packed within 24 hours. CO2 or nitrogen gas is used in packaging to eliminate micro-organisms and preserve freshness.

DRUERA ships cashews directly from Sri Lanka within days of processing, so they arrive fresh rather than sitting in warehouses for months. The company's reviews reflect this freshness, with customers noting how different fresh Sri Lankan cashews taste compared to supermarket varieties. One recent review specifically praised the cashews as "incredible," "so large," and exceptionally fresh.

Cashews pack a remarkable nutritional profile into a small package. A one-ounce serving (about 16-18 nuts) provides approximately 160 calories, 5 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat, most of which is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. This makes cashews less calorie-dense than many other nuts while still delivering substantial nutrition.

Heart health is one of the most well-documented benefits. Research shows that people who consume tree nuts like cashews have up to 27% lower risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. The monounsaturated fats in cashews, primarily oleic and palmitoleic acids, help lower LDL (bad) cholesterol while maintaining or improving HDL (good) cholesterol. One study found that people who added cashews to their diet for 28 days experienced a nearly four-point drop in total cholesterol and about a five-point drop in LDL cholesterol. Other research indicates cashews may help lower blood pressure and triglycerides.

Most of the saturated fat in cashews comes from stearic acid, which experts believe has a neutral effect on blood cholesterol, making cashews a better choice than many snacks despite containing some saturated fat.

Cashews are exceptionally rich in copper, providing nearly 100% of the daily recommended intake in a one-ounce serving. Copper is essential for energy production, iron metabolism, and proper nervous system function. They're also an excellent source of magnesium, which helps regulate blood pressure, supports bone health, and plays a role in blood sugar management. The magnesium content may help lower the risk of stroke and ischemic heart disease.

For blood sugar control, cashews have a low glycemic index of 22, meaning they cause a gradual increase in blood sugar rather than a rapid spike. Studies suggest they may help lower insulin resistance in people with type 2 diabetes.

Additional benefits include support for bone health (from magnesium and phosphorus), brain function (from healthy fats and B vitamins), immune function (from zinc and antioxidants), and even weight management. Despite being calorie-dense, research suggests people who eat nuts regularly have an easier time managing weight, likely because the protein and fiber content increases satiety and the number of calories burned at rest. Some research indicates that the human body doesn't absorb all the calories in cashews because a portion of the fat remains trapped within the nut's fibrous structure.

Compared to other nuts, cashews are among the lowest in calories and have the highest iron content. They contain less fiber than almonds but comparable protein. While walnuts provide more omega-3s and almonds offer more vitamin E, cashews' creamy texture and mild flavor make them uniquely versatile in cooking.

DRUERA offers five distinct cashew products, each with different characteristics suited to different preferences and uses.

Plain Cashew Nuts ($42): These are the most versatile option. Technically, all commercially sold "raw" cashews have been heat-processed once to remove the toxic shell and its oils, but they haven't been roasted a second time for flavor. Plain cashews have a mild, buttery, slightly sweet taste that works equally well for snacking, cooking, or making cashew-based products like nut milk, cream sauces, or cashew butter. Their subtle flavor won't overpower other ingredients, making them ideal for curries, stir-fries, desserts, or when you want to control the final seasoning yourself. They also have a slightly longer shelf life than roasted varieties because there's no added oil to turn rancid.

Roasted Cashew Nuts ($44): Roasting transforms cashews by bringing out deeper, nuttier, toastier flavors and creating a firmer, crunchier texture. The Maillard reaction during roasting develops compounds that give roasted nuts their characteristic golden color and enhanced aroma. While plain cashews work best when you're cooking them into dishes, roasted cashews shine for straight snacking, trail mixes, or as a finishing touch where you want that pronounced nutty flavor and crunch. One trade-off: roasted cashews may have slightly higher antioxidant activity than their unroasted counterparts, but they also have a shorter shelf life because the roasting process brings oils to the surface where they can oxidize more easily.

Salted Cashew Nuts ($44): These combine the roasted cashew experience with a light, balanced saltiness. Perfect for anyone who enjoys savory snacks, they work well for entertaining, as a satisfying afternoon pick-me-up, or as a pizza or pasta topping. The salt enhances the natural flavors without overwhelming the cashew's inherent sweetness.

Devilled Cashew Nuts ($44): This is Sri Lanka's famous bar snack, found in virtually every hotel and bar across the island. The "devilled" style involves coating cashews in a spice blend that typically includes chilli powder, turmeric, black pepper, and salt, often with crispy fried curry leaves and garlic. The result is an addictive combination of heat, aromatics, and crunch that pairs perfectly with cold beer but is equally satisfying on its own. Sri Lankan chef Peter Kuruvita says he judges a hotel's kitchen quality by their devilled cashews. These make an excellent party snack or gift for anyone who enjoys bold, spicy flavors.

Curry Leaves Cashew Nuts ($44): This variety features the fragrant, herbal flavor of curry leaves, a staple of Sri Lankan cuisine. Curry leaves have a distinctive taste that's impossible to replicate with curry powder—it's earthy, slightly citrusy, and uniquely aromatic. These cashews offer a more subtle, sophisticated spiced option compared to the devilled variety, perfect for those who want interesting flavor without intense heat.

Storage guidelines: All cashews should be stored in airtight containers in a cool, dark, dry place away from heat sources and direct sunlight. Light exposure degrades quality, and temperature fluctuations cause condensation that accelerates spoilage. Properly stored, plain/raw cashews can remain fresh for about six months at room temperature, while roasted and flavored varieties have a shorter optimal window of about three to four months. For longer storage, cashews can be refrigerated (extending life by several months) or frozen for up to a year. When freezing, use freezer-safe packaging and squeeze out air to prevent ice crystals. Whole cashews stay fresh longer than broken pieces. If cashews develop a sharp, unpleasant odor or bitter taste, they've turned rancid and should be discarded.