Why Don't They Sell Cashews in the Shells?

Question

You can buy all kinds of nuts in the shells or without (in the U.S.) But why are cashews not sold in the shells; they do have shells like any other kind of nut.

Why can't I find them find them in shells, even in an imports stores?

Answer 1

This was the best "official" answer I could find. In a "nut shell", it's poisonous to humans. Not extremely poisonous, I guess irritating is the better description.


Cashew shell oil extracted from the shells is caustic and causes burns on the skin. The mucous membranes of the mouth and throat are severely affected when it comes into contact with shell oil or the irritating fumes emitted during roasting. The oily shell liquid has many uses.

Answer 2

It is impossible to buy cashews in the shell because the edible kernel is covered with an inner shell, and the space between the inner and outer shells is filled with a thick, caustic, toxic oil (related to poison ivy). Unshelled, unroasted cashew nuts will burn the mouth and lips and raise blisters on the skin.

Answer 3

You must really like cashews and want to crack the shell so it will slow you down when you eat them? Or, do you have a parrot? I do, and I am always looking for shelled nuts to give her so she has some variety... When/If you find out - I want to know too.

Answer 4

The shells are toxic. Cashews are not produced in the U.S. either. They are STRICTLY an imported product.

Read here for more information!

http://www.uga.edu/fruit/cashew.html

Answer 5

My husband gets cashews in the shells all the time at a WalMart store in Shawano Wisconsin.

Answer 6

They're almost impossible to open. They come with a natural almost glue like substance called benumen, that must be cracked at a factory. Then they're roasted.

Answer 7

Is there a reason WHY you want to make life "tougher".??? lol

You're a pessimist, aren't you?