Raw cashews are an incredibly popular ingredient used in a myriad of recipes due to their buttery, sweet flavor and their versatility. They are kidney-shaped nuggets harvested from the cashew tree, encased in a hard shell that is often removed before the nut is sold commercially. Their subtly sweet yet robust and creamy flavor allows them to be incorporated into numerous dishes, transforming them into delicacies.

Raw cashews have a pale, ivory color and a smooth, firm texture that turns creamy once ground or soaked and blended, making them perfect for dairy substitutes in vegan diets. They are commonly used in both savory and sweet dishes, including stir-fries, salads, desserts, and sauces.

Besides being a flavorful addition, raw cashews are packed with health benefits. They are rich in monounsaturated fats, which contribute to heart health, along with nutrients like magnesium, copper, and antioxidants. Whether roasted for a healthy snack, ground up for a dairy-free cream sauce, or baked into cookies and sweets, the humble raw cashew adds much more than crunch and flavor to the mix - it's a powerhouse of nutrition too.

Raw cashews can typically be found in the nuts and seeds aisle of a grocery store. They might also be located in the bulk food section, or in the natural or organic foods department. If you're having difficulty finding them, don't hesitate to ask a store associate.