A popular snack, cashews have a rich flavour and so it is often eaten on its own – lightly roasted and salted. The cashew nut is not as hard as other nuts. And unlike other nuts, you will never find cashews sold in their shell. This is because the inside of their shell contains a resin related to the poison ivy family known as cashew balm, which must be carefully removed before the nut can be consumed. Like all nuts, cashews are an excellent source of protein and fibre. It is also rich in heart-healthy monounsaturated fats and a good source of potassium, B vitamins and folate. A staple of vegan diets, cashews are also great for baking and as an ingredient in many Asian dishes.