#cashewnutpaste

Cashews in India are a popular snack, loved for their creamy texture and mild, buttery taste. But for people with diabetes, every bite matters-especially when it comes to controlling blood sugar. So, the big question is: Are cashew nuts good for diabetics? Let’s dive into what science has to say.

Nutritional Overview of Cashew Nuts

Before we get into the studies, here's a quick look at what cashews offer:

Low glycemic index (GI): Cashews have a GI of around 25, which means they cause a slower, more stable rise in blood sugar.

Rich in healthy fats: Mainly monounsaturated fats, which support heart health.

Contains magnesium, zinc, fiber, and protein: All essential for blood sugar regulation.

What Research Says

1. Cashews May Improve Insulin Sensitivity

A 2018 study published in The Journal of Nutrition found that replacing some carbohydrates with Dry Fruit Market in the diet of type 2 diabetics led to a modest improvement in insulin sensitivity and LDL cholesterol levels. This suggests cashews might play a beneficial role in managing both blood sugar and heart health—two major concerns for diabetics.

Reference: Mah, E. et al. (2018). "Cashew nut consumption reduces total and LDL cholesterol: A randomized, controlled-feeding trial."

2. Cashew Extracts and Blood Sugar Control

Animal studies have also suggested that cashew nut extracts may help regulate blood sugar. For instance, a study published in Molecular Nutrition & Food Research (2010) found that compounds in cashew nut paste extract stimulated glucose uptake in muscle cells—similar to the action of insulin.

While promising, these effects were noted in lab conditions and animal models. Human trials are still needed to confirm real-life benefits.

3. Nuts as a Whole Are Beneficial for Diabetics

Even if cashew-specific research is limited, multiple studies support the idea that nuts in general (including cashews) are associated with better diabetes outcomes:

A study in Diabetologia (2019) showed that higher nut consumption was linked to lower risk of heart disease in people with type 2 diabetes.

Another 2011 study found that replacing carbs with mixed nuts improved glycemic control and lipid profiles.

Are There Any Risks?

Cashew nuts are healthy—but portion control is crucial. They're calorie-dense, and eating too many can contribute to weight gain, which worsens insulin resistance. Also:

Avoid salted or sugar-coated cashews – excess sodium and sugar are harmful.

Stick to raw or dry-roasted, unsalted varieties.

A safe portion for diabetics: About 15–20 cashew nuts (1 ounce) per day.

Final Verdict: Are Cashew Nuts Good for Diabetics?

Buying Cashew Nut Paste: What to Look for in a Good Brand

Cashew nut paste has become a go-to ingredient for health-conscious cooks, vegans, and flavor enthusiasts. Its creamy texture, mild nutty flavor, and versatility in both sweet and savory dishes make it a staple in many kitchens. But with so many brands on the market, how do you choose the right one?

Whether you're new to cashew paste or just looking to upgrade your pantry, this guide will help you identify what to look for in a high-quality Cashew Nut Paste.

Check the Ingredient List

The best cashew nut paste should be made from 100% cashews—that’s it. A clean label without additives, preservatives, or sweeteners is a good sign of purity.

Avoid:

Added oils (unless it's just from cashews)

Sugar or sweeteners

Artificial preservatives

Unrecognizable chemical names

Pro tip: If you're using the paste for cooking (especially in savory recipes), opt for the unsweetened version.

2. Texture and Consistency

A good brand will offer a smooth, creamy texture without being too runny or overly thick. It should be easy to spoon or spread and blend effortlessly into sauces, curries, or desserts.

Watch out for:

Grainy or chunky textures (unless labeled as such)

Oil separation that’s excessive (some is normal with natural pastes)

3. Nutritional Content

Cashews are naturally rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential minerals. A quality Roasted Cashew Nuts should reflect that without compromising on nutrition.

Look for:

No trans fats

Low sodium (or no added salt)

Protein-rich (at least 4-5g per serving)

Natural healthy fats (mono- and polyunsaturated)

4. Organic and Non-GMO Certifications

Choosing a certified organic and non-GMO brand ensures that the cashews were grown without synthetic pesticides or genetic modification. It’s a safer, more environmentally friendly option.

Look for labels such as:

USDA Organic

Non-GMO Project Verified

5. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing

Cashew farming can involve labor-intensive processing, and unfortunately, unethical practices are still common in some regions. Supporting a brand that prioritizes fair trade, worker rights, and sustainable agriculture is important.

Check the brand’s website or packaging for:

Fair Trade Certification

Ethical sourcing policies

Transparent supply chain practices

Final Thoughts

How to Start a Small Business Selling Roasted Cashew Nuts

The global snack market is booming-and Roasted Cashew Nuts are a rising star. Whether you’re passionate about healthy snacking or looking for a profitable food venture, starting a small business selling roasted cashew nuts can be both rewarding and scalable. This blog post will guide you through the essential steps to get started.

Why Roasted Cashew Nuts?

Roasted cashews are a popular snack choice thanks to their:

Rich flavor and crunch

Health benefits (rich in healthy fats, protein, and minerals)

Versatility (can be flavored sweet, spicy, or savory)

Long shelf life

With rising demand for nutritious, on-the-go snacks, Cashew Price in India is a great product to sell in both local and online markets.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Roasted Cashew Nut Business

1. Research the Market

Before jumping in, research:

Local competition

Trending flavors (e.g., chili lime, honey-roasted, masala)

Target customers (health-conscious individuals, fitness enthusiasts, vegans, etc.)

Retail vs. wholesale demand

2. Develop a Business Plan

Outline:

Your business model (online, local store, farmer’s markets, etc.)

Initial budget and funding sources

Branding and marketing strategy

Pricing structure

Expected profit margins

A clear business plan will help you stay focused and attract potential investors if needed.

3. Source Quality Cashew Nuts

Find reliable suppliers that offer:

High-grade raw cashews

Competitive prices

Consistent quality

You can source locally or import from major cashew-producing countries like India, Vietnam, or Nigeria.

4. Perfect Your Roasting Technique

Whether dry-roasted or oil-roasted, your product quality depends on:

Freshness

Roasting time and temperature

Flavoring technique

Experiment with different recipes and flavors to develop a signature product.

Final Thoughts

Starting a small business selling Cashew Nut Paste can be an excellent way to turn your passion for food into profit. With careful planning, quality products, and a smart marketing approach, you can build a brand that customers love—and keep coming back to.

Impact of International Cashew Price in India Market

The cashew industry in India is a vital part of the agricultural economy, contributing significantly to both the domestic market and international trade. India not only consumes cashews on a large scale but also exports them to various countries, making it one of the largest players in the global cashew trade. However, the prices of cashews in the international market play a critical role in shaping the Indian cashew market, impacting everything from production costs to export dynamics and domestic pricing.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how international Cashew Price in India affect India’s cashew market, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities this brings.

1. India as a Leading Producer and Exporter

India is one of the world’s largest producers and exporters of cashew nuts, contributing around 60% of the global cashew export volume. The country is home to vast cashew plantations, particularly in states like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka, where cashew cultivation is a significant agricultural activity.

Given India’s dominance in the export market, fluctuations in global Roasted Cashew Nuts directly impact Indian producers and exporters. These price changes can either benefit or harm stakeholders, depending on the direction in which prices move.

2. Fluctuations in International Cashew Prices

International cashew prices are influenced by several factors, including:

Global Supply and Demand: The supply of cashews from major producing countries such as Vietnam, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria can shift due to weather conditions, labor shortages, or changes in local demand. Any disruption in supply from these countries can cause prices to rise in the global market.

Currency Fluctuations: Since the global cashew trade involves currencies like the US Dollar (USD), any significant changes in exchange rates between the Indian Rupee (INR) and USD can affect the export prices of cashews.

Consumer Trends: Changing consumer preferences in major markets like the United States, Europe, and the Middle East also influence prices. For instance, if demand for organic cashews rises globally, it can push prices up, benefiting exporters who supply these types of products.

Global Economic Conditions: The health of the global economy has a direct impact on consumer purchasing power. During periods of economic slowdown or recession, demand for premium products like cashews may fall, leading to lower international prices.

3. Impact on Indian Cashew Producers and Farmers

Indian cashew farmers often face challenges when international prices fluctuate. For farmers, the cost of production (labor, water, pesticides, fertilizers) remains largely constant, but the income they receive for their crops can vary significantly depending on the global price trend.

When International Prices Rise

A rise in global Cashew Nut Paste can be a boon for Indian farmers. Higher prices mean that their cashews fetch better rates in the export market, providing them with higher earnings. This, in turn, can improve the financial stability of cashew farming communities, allowing them to reinvest in their farms, adopt new technologies, and improve overall productivity.

When International Prices Fall

On the flip side, when international prices drop due to an oversupply or declining global demand, Indian farmers may not be able to cover their production costs. This can lead to financial distress, especially for smaller farmers who lack the scale to absorb such price fluctuations. In extreme cases, it could result in reduced cultivation or a shift to alternative crops.

Conclusion

The price of cashews in the international market plays a crucial role in shaping India’s cashew industry. For producers, processors, exporters, and consumers alike, these prices can bring both opportunities and challenges. By staying adaptable and responsive to international trends, India can continue to thrive as a dominant player in the global cashew market, ensuring that the sector remains profitable and resilient against global price volatility.

The Journey of Cashews in India from Farm to Plate

Cashews in India: those creamy, crescent-shaped delights we love to snack on, mix into curries, or blend into rich vegan sauces. But have you ever paused to wonder about the journey they take before landing in your kitchen? India, one of the largest producers and exporters of cashews in the world, has a fascinating story to tell about this humble nut. Let’s take a walk through the vibrant, labor-intensive, and flavorful journey of cashews - from farm to plate.

Cultivation – Where It All Begins

Cashews are not true nuts; they’re seeds of the cashew apple, grown on the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), a native of Brazil. However, they’ve found a second home in the warm coastal states of India, especially in Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Tamil Nadu.

Roasted cashew nuts trees thrive in sandy, well-drained soils with ample sun. Farmers usually plant them during the monsoon season, and it takes about three years for a tree to begin yielding fruits.

Each cashew apple bears a single seed-the cashew nut-which dangles beneath like a tail. Harvesting usually peaks between February and May.

Harvesting & Collection – A Fruit with a Twist

Once ripe, the cashew apples are handpicked — a process that demands both timing and patience. Interestingly, while the apple is edible and used in local fermented drinks or chutneys, it's the nut that steals the show globally.

After collecting the nuts, farmers sun-dry them for several days. This drying step is essential to preserve the nut and reduce moisture content before processing.

Processing – The Real Challenge

This is the most labor-intensive and complex stage in the journey. Cashew processing involves multiple steps-most of which are still done by hand in many Indian facilities:

Roasting or steaming: The outer shell of the cashew nut contains a corrosive liquid called anacardic acid, which can cause skin burns. The nuts are either drum-roasted or steam-treated to loosen the shell and neutralize the toxic oil.

Shelling: Workers skillfully crack open the shells to extract the kernel. This requires experience and care to avoid breaking the delicate nut inside.

Drying and peeling: The extracted kernels are dried again, then peeled to remove the thin brown skin covering the nut-another meticulous manual task.

Grading: Finally, cashew nut paste are sorted and graded based on size, color, and quality. From the famous "W180" (large, whole nuts) to broken bits used in sweets, each grade has its place.

Quality Control & Packaging

After processing, the cashews are cleaned, sometimes lightly roasted, salted, or flavored, and then vacuum-packed or sealed in airtight containers. Hygiene and quality control are crucial, especially for exports.

India exports cashews to more than 60 countries-with the U.S., UAE, Netherlands, and Japan among the top buyers. But a large portion also finds its way into Indian homes, kitchens, and street-side snack stalls.

From Pantry to Plate – A Star Ingredient

Indian cuisine celebrates cashews like no other. They add richness to gravies like korma and butter chicken, bring crunch to sweets like kaju katli and halwa, and feature in everything from biryanis to trail mixes.

With rising awareness around plant-based diets, cashews are also starring in non-dairy milk, cheeses, and creamy sauces-proving just how versatile they are.

A Nut with a Cultural and Economic Impact

The cashew industry supports millions of workers-many of them women-in rural parts of India. But it also faces challenges: fluctuating prices, climate changes, and the need for better working conditions and mechanization.

As consumers, knowing where our food comes from helps us appreciate it more - and make more informed, ethical choices.

Final Thoughts

The next time you munch on a kaju nut, think about its journey-from the red earth of a coastal Indian farm to the processing unit, and finally to your plate. It's more than just a snack; it's a testament to tradition, labor, and innovation.

I recently made upto 1000 smoothies at one time. This for was an event on the weekend of 12 - 13 th March. I have never really done anything like this before.

Apart from having accomplished this with relative ease as I will explain, my use of freshly pureed cashew nuts as a replacement for almond milk was  a revelation. First it makes the smoothie creamy but dairy free, any nut milks are expensive, and cashew is a soft nut and blends easily to a creamy consistency. Its commonly used in raw desserts for these properties.

For equipment I had a large stick blender from RobotCoup, a domestic blender and a soup pot.

For 1000 smoothies (works when scaled down)

Blueberry Banana Ginger Smoothie

30 kgs Bananas 8 kg Blueberries 2 kg Cashew nuts 1/2 kg Ginger Grind Cashew nuts and ginger till you get a smooth puree. This was my substitute for the nut milks used in smoothies. It would be too expensive for this occasion and anyway it doesnt get better than freshly ground nuts anyway! Blend bananas and blueberries adding water as needed to get the mixture smooth and homegenous. Add cashew and ginger puree.

Its simple but the creaminess and heft of cashew is hard to identify as an ingredient.

Strawberry Melon Rose Smoothie (my test version which I then scaled up 10 times)

1 kg Strawberry 3 ripe Musk Melons 2 Bananas 2 teaspoons best quality Rose Jam (from my garden in this case) 50 gms Cashew Nuts

Blend cashew nuts till creamy. Add all other fruits and rose jam.

The secret: Whenever I use ingredients that are not at their peak, I fall back to the flavour profile as a way to enhance the ingredient. In this case both melons and strawberry would benefit from a musky floral flavour. The Rose jam gives it a fragrance that strawberries in peak season would have and it was also had a hint of muskiness that matched the melon very well. And it is to subtle that with the creamy cashews it doesnt stand out at all and instead just enhances.

Strawberry , Quark, Tahitian Vanilla, Flaxseeds

8 kg Strawberry 1/2 kg Flax seeds 2 best quality vanilla beans 10 kg Quark 1/2kg Light floral Honey diluted in some warm water 5 L Water