"Cashews come from fleshy fruits called cashew 'apples.' They grow inside shells that contain urushiol, a toxic compound that can cause dermatitis and rashes."
"Workers handling unprocessed cashews often wear protective gear to avoid chemical burns from the shell oil, while some processors absorb the oil in sawdust."
"Removing the shells, cooking the fruits, and processing the nuts eliminates the hazards, making cashews safe for consumers."
"Some consumers describe the freshly pressed juice of the cashew fruit and newly processed cashews as having a slight gasoline-like odor."
Cashews are actually seeds from the cashew apple, not true nuts. They contain urushiol, a toxic compound found in poison ivy, which can cause skin reactions. Workers handling raw cashews must wear protective gear to avoid chemical burns. However, cooking and processing cashews eliminate these toxins, making them safe for consumption. Additionally, some consumers report a gasoline-like smell from fresh cashew juice and newly processed cashews, adding to the unique characteristics of this popular snack.
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