Whole Cashews Unroasted & Unsalted

"Botanically, what we call cashews are in fact seeds, found inside a drupe, at the end of a pseudocarp, or accessory fruit, known as the cashew apple. But really, who’s thinking of botany when there are cashews to eat? In culinary circles, cashews are nuts, and since our interest in food is primarily focused on the myriad ways in which we can eat it, within the four walls (and within the confines of the Fearless Flyer in all its myriad forms) of Trader Joe’s, cashews will heretofore and forevermore be nuts.

Trader Joe’s Whole Cashews Unroasted & Unsalted are just what the bag claims — and, perhaps most imporantly, they’re only what the bag claims. They’re harvested from dwarf cashew trees, then shelled and lightly steamed, but never roasted or salted. In addition to making super snacks, they also make for great building blocks for vegan cuisine — a whole host of dairy-free cheese and cream substitutes start by soaking raw cashews in water overnight, then blending with a few other savory ingredients. But first and foremost, they supply a whole lot of that uniquely nutty (isn’t that much better than saying “uniquely drupe-y?”) cashew flavor, for not a whole lot of money."