Cashews remain one of the most popular nuts worldwide, valued for their creamy texture, rich flavour and versatility in cooking. However, as demand has increased, so has the presence of fake, reprocessed or chemically treated cashews in the market. Many consumers unknowingly purchase inferior nuts that not only compromise taste and nutrition but may also pose health risks. Understanding the key differences between authentic and low-quality cashews is essential for safe and informed buying.

Experts note that counterfeit cashews are often made to look deceptively similar to real ones through bleaching, moulding and artificial polishing. These practices distort the nut’s natural characteristics, making it harder for the average shopper to detect adulteration. Fortunately, with a few simple visual, tactile and taste-based checks, consumers can easily distinguish genuine cashews from reprocessed varieties and ensure they get the quality they pay for.

Authentic cashews have a naturally curved shape with slight variations in size and contour, whereas fake ones tend to look unusually uniform. Colour is another indicator—real cashews appear pale ivory, while chemically treated nuts often look unnaturally white. Texture also plays a role; genuine cashews are firm and slightly grainy, unlike fake versions that crumble easily or feel overly polished due to artificial processing.

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Aroma and flavour provide additional clues. Fresh cashews have a mild nutty fragrance and a creamy, slightly sweet taste. In contrast, adulterated nuts may smell stale or chemical-like and taste bland, chalky or bitter. Consumers are also advised to check for excessive oiliness, as low-quality nuts are sometimes coated with oil to seem fresher than they are.

One reliable test is roasting. When lightly roasted at home, real cashews turn golden and release a warm aroma, while fake or chemically treated ones may burn unevenly or give off an unusual smell. By performing such simple checks, buyers can better protect themselves from inferior products and enjoy cashews as they’re meant to be—whether in homemade dishes or meals ordered online.

With growing concerns over food quality, awareness is the first step toward safe consumption. A careful inspection before purchasing can ensure that consumers get authentic, nutritious and flavourful cashews every time.

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