Raw cashews are the creamy, curved seeds of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), a tropical evergreen native to South America. Cashews sold as “raw” are actually heat-treated during processing to safely remove them from their shells but are not subsequently roasted. They provide copper, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, protein, and predominantly unsaturated fats, including oleic acid. Their mild flavor and naturally creamy texture make cashews especially versatile for both sweet and savory recipes, including trail mixes, sauces, dressings, dairy-free creams, dips, soups, curries, desserts, nut milks, and baked goods.