Cashew Oil
Anacardium occidentaleA nut oil with a mildly sweet, nutty aroma, obtained by cold-pressing or refining cashews. Used in sautéing and salad dressings, with a moderately high smoke point.
What Is Cashew Oil?
Cashew oil is a nut oil obtained by cold-pressing or refining cashew nuts. It can also be produced as a byproduct of cashew milk and cashew butter.
Its color is light golden yellow, its aroma is mildly sweet-nutty; it has a more neutral taste profile compared to almond or hazelnut oil, which makes it blend easily with different sauces.
Nutritional Values of Cashew Oil
100 grams of cashew oil contains approximately 880 kcal of energy; it is almost entirely fat, mainly consisting of unsaturated fatty acids. Values vary by refining degree and are approximate.
How Should Cashew Oil Be Consumed?
Cashew oil, like other oils, is used as part of a balanced diet, in measured amounts.
This information is general; cashew oil is a fat and is not a substitute for medical treatment. Those with nut allergies should avoid cashew oil.
How to Choose Cashew Oil?
A good cashew oil is one with a light golden yellow color, a mildly nutty-sweet aroma, and no sediment-cloudiness.
- Color should be light golden yellow, clear
- Aroma should be mildly nutty-sweet, not bitter-sour
- Label should clearly state cold-pressed or refined information
How to Store Cashew Oil?
Cashew oil can be kept in a closed bottle in a cool, dark cupboard for months; storing it in the refrigerator once opened delays it from turning rancid.
Using Cashew Oil in the Kitchen
Cashew oil is most often used in sautéing, salad dressing, and baking; thanks to its neutral taste, it works in both sweet and savory recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are cashew oil and cashew butter the same thing?
No; cashew butter is made by grinding the whole cashew (oil and pulp together), while cashew oil is only the pressed oil portion.
Is cashew oil found in Turkey?
It is not common; it can be found at gourmet markets and places selling nut oils online.
Is cashew oil suitable for high-heat frying?
It has a moderate-to-high smoke point, but cheaper neutral oils are generally preferred for deep frying; cashew oil is more often used for sautéing and finishing touches.