If you’ve ever shopped at a health food store or scrolled through a gourmet food market, chances are you’ve noticed “raw cashews” touted as the epitome of clean, vegan snacking. But here’s a little secret: most so-called “raw” cashews aren’t raw. As a cashew supplier heavily invested in all aspects from farm to packaging, Exotic Crate is here to demystify the confusion and clarify what the “raw” label means in the cashew business.
What Makes Cashews “Raw”?
In all other nuts — almonds, walnuts, pistachios — “raw” generally refers to “unroasted” or “not heat-processed.” But with cashews, there’s a bit more to it. Cashew shells have urushiol, a toxic resin also present in poison ivy. This renders it unsafe to eat raw, unshelled cashews without heat processing.
As a cashew supplier that is certified, Exotic Crate sources steam-processed cashews that have been safely removed of the toxic shell oil, but not roasted. Thus, while they haven’t been oven-roasted or flavored, they are technically steamed or lightly heat-treated — a step that is required for consumer safety.
The Steaming Process: What You Should Know
Here’s how all quality cashew suppliers process their cashews for consumer safety:
- Harvesting: Cashew apples and nuts are hand-picked.
- Drying: Nuts are dried in the sun for a few days to avoid mold formation.
- Steaming: This is where the shells are steamed to soften and kill the toxins.
- Shelling & Peeling: The nut is removed from the shell, and the skin is peeled off.
- Grading & Packaging: Nuts are graded and packaged according to customer requirements.
At Exotic Crate, we pride ourselves on being a cashew supplier that is committed to doing this process without any chemical exposure, maintaining the nutritional qualities of the nut without compromising its safety for consumption.
Why Still Call Them “Raw” Then?
The use of the word “raw” in the cashew industry has become a marketing nomenclature for “unroasted” or “unsalted.” Though these cashews have indeed been heat-steamed, they haven’t been subjected to the second pass of high-heat roasting or oil frying, which changes their texture and flavor.
As a socially conscious cashew distributor, Exotic Crate practices complete openness. Our “raw” cashews are as natural as they can possibly be without compromising safety — minimally processed, free of additives, and loaded with nutrients such as:
- Magnesium
- Good fats (monounsaturated)
- Copper & zinc
- Plant-based protein
The Misconception Hurting the Industry
One of the emerging problems in the nut market is false labelling. There are brands (particularly in overseas markets) that market ostensibly raw, unpadded cashews, which could be potentially dangerous to health. These unpadded cashews still retain some urushiol residues and are thus not suitable for human consumption.
By sourcing from a certified cashew supplier such as Exotic Crate, you’re guaranteeing that your product is food-safe, lab-tested, and ethically sourced from Indian or Vietnamese or African farms — the world’s largest cashew-producing regions.
Raw vs Roasted: Which to Choose?
Raw cashews and roasted cashews both have their uses. Here’s a quick rundown to assist you in making the right choice:
Raw (steam-processed) Cashews
- Perfect for: Raw vegan recipes, smoothies, cashew cheese, sauces, and granola.
- Pros: Softer texture, richer mouthfeel, milder flavor.
Roasted Cashews
- Ideal for: Snacking, trail mix, savory recipes.
- Pros: Crunchier texture, nuttier flavor, greater shelf life.
Being a flexible cashew distributor, Exotic Crate provides both types in bulk and tailor-made packaging configurations — ideal for retailers, food manufacturers, and health brands.
What to Ask Your Cashew Supplier Before Buying Raw Cashews
Not all raw cashews are created equal. Before making a purchase, make sure your cashew supplier can answer these questions:
- Were the cashews heat-treated or chemically processed?
- What grading standards do they follow (W240, W320, etc.)?
- Can they provide batch traceability and certifications?
- Are the cashews processed in allergen-free, HACCP-compliant facilities?
- Are the products tested for aflatoxins and microbial safety?
At Exotic Crate, our staff is pleased to offer lab reports, export certificates, and quality assurance records for each batch.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Be Misled by the Label
By 2025, food shoppers are wiser — and labels are more scrutinized. So next time you glance at “raw cashews” on a label, keep in mind: unless you’re devouring them directly off a tree (which you shouldn’t be), they’ve been steamed. And that’s okay.
Exotic Crate, your cashew supplier of choice, is committed to customer education and ethical openness with each shipment we ship. From gourmet restaurateurs to vegan food brands, our cashews are designed for flavor, safety, and nutrition.
