Cashew butter is made by grinding cashew nuts into a smooth paste. This creamy spread is rich in flavor and packed with nutrients, making it a popular alternative to traditional peanut butter. It's used in a variety of culinary applications, from spreads and dips to baking and smoothies.

Nutritional Profile (per 100 grams).

• Calories Approximately 564 kcal.
• Protein About 18 grams, providing a good source of plant-based protein.
• Fat About 44 grams, predominantly monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, known for their heart health benefits.
• Carbohydrates About 30 grams, with some of that coming from dietary fiber.
• Fiber About 3.3 grams, contributing to digestive health.
• Vitamins and Minerals Rich in magnesium, iron, phosphorus, zinc, and some B vitamins.

 However, it is rather caloric so it is necessary not to overdo the doses.

Industrial Production Process

• Selection and Cleaning of Cashews. The production of cashew butter begins with the selection of high-quality raw cashews. The cashews are cleaned to remove impurities and residues.
• Roasting. The cleaned cashews are roasted to enhance their flavor. Roasting can be done at controlled temperatures in industrial ovens. This step is optional; some prefer to use raw cashews to preserve a more intact nutritional profile.
• Cooling. After roasting, the cashews are allowed to cool to room temperature. This prevents overheating during grinding and helps to maintain the quality of the butter.
• Grinding. The cooled cashews are then ground into a smooth paste. Grinding may require several passes, depending on the grinder's power and the desired consistency. During this process, the natural oils of the cashews are released, contributing to the formation of a creamy paste.
• Adding Ingredients. Depending on the recipe, ingredients such as salt, sweeteners, or additional oils can be added to enhance the flavor and texture of the cashew butter.
• Quality Control. Before distribution, the cashew butter undergoes quality checks to ensure it meets standards for flavor, consistency, and food safety.

Considerations

Use Can be spread on bread, crackers, used in smoothies, desserts, sauces, and as an ingredient to enrich savory dishes and soups.

Cashew nut extracts have demonstrated positive properties for human health because they contain only the positive components, but this nut in its wholeness has some contraindications. 

The FDA has not included cashews among the nuts approved for cardiovascular disease reduction because of their saturated fat content (1), and other studies have also not observed a positive influence of cashews (2).

Safety

Nut Allergies Individuals with nut allergies should avoid cashew butter.

Calories High in calories, so its consumption should be moderated, especially for those monitoring caloric intake.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Baer DJ, Novotny JA. Consumption of cashew nuts does not influence blood lipids or other markers of cardiovascular disease in humans: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2019 Feb 1;109(2):269-275. doi: 10.1093/ajcn/nqy242. 

Abstract. Background: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a qualified health claim for tree nuts and reduction of cardiovascular disease. However, cashews are excluded from that claim due to their content of saturated fats, which is predominantly stearic acid. Because stearic acid is neutral with respect to blood lipids, several studies have been conducted to test the effect of cashew nuts on blood lipids, and these studies have produced conflicting results....Conclusions: Consumption of 1.5 servings of cashew nuts/d, the amount associated with the FDA qualified health claim for tree nuts and cardiovascular disease, did not positively or adversely affect any of the primary risk factors for cardiovascular disease. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT02628171.

(2) Naghshi S, Sadeghian M, Nasiri M, Mobarak S, Asadi M, Sadeghi O. Association of Total Nut, Tree Nut, Peanut, and Peanut Butter Consumption with Cancer Incidence and Mortality: A Comprehensive Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies. Adv Nutr. 2021 Jun 1;12(3):793-808. doi: 10.1093/advances/nmaa152.