ORGANIC CASHEWS
Our organic cashews are known for their delicious creamy flavor, with a satisfyingly toothsome crunch. You can taste the loving care we put into these bite-size natural snacks at each step of the process.
It starts with our plantations in eastern Indonesia, where the cashew trees are non-GMO (not genetically modified) and they are cultivated organically using all natural fertilizers and without any pesticide, according to both domestic and international organic certification standards.
After the ‘seeds’ of the cashew apples are harvested by hand, they go through a process known as the 'Flores hand-cracking' method, which was first developed and pioneered by Rudolph Heering at PMA Indonesia. In this method, the hard shell is individually split open by a simple machine manually operated by a skilled worker, who is careful not to bruise or break the delicate creamy white kernel inside. After further cleaning by hand, the raw kernels are dried gently at 45°C (113°F) for 3 hours. This low-temperature processing also qualifies them to be accurately labeled and sold as ‘raw organic’ food.
Research has proven that the Flores hand-cracking method, when compared to other conventional shelling methods (oil-bath roasting, steam roasting, drying, etc.), is the best at preserving the beneficial bioactive compounds such as beta-carotene, tocopherol (vitamin E), unsaturated fatty acids and thiamin at levels closest to that of the raw kernels. [Trox, Jennifer, et al. "Bioactive Compounds in Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale L.) Kernels: Effect of Different Shelling Methods". Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 58. April 2010.]
In addition to preserving their precious nutrition (cashews are a good source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fat, antioxidants and minerals such as copper, manganese, magnesium and phosphorus), this ‘cold-process’ also preserves the cashews’ natural creamy-sweet taste. Furthermore, no salt or other flavorings are added to our line of organic cashew snacks, so what you enjoy is the cashew’s delicious and pure wholesome goodness.
