"Nature is full of surprises".
Did you know…
Those delicious cashews you snack on are actually related to poison oak?
Yes, it is true! Cashews belong to the same plant family as poison oak and poison ivy. Let that sink in for a moment. The very thing we associate with itchy, uncomfortable rashes shares a botanical connection with one of my favorite snacks.
Furthermore, cashews aren't technically a nut at all. In the culinary world, they are classified as a nut, but they are actually just a seed.
Here is the good news.
The part that causes irritation, a natural oil similar to what is found in poison oak, is located in the shell surrounding the cashew, not the nut itself. In their raw form, cashews are not safe to eat. That is why every cashew you see in the store has already been carefully processed, typically steamed or roasted, to remove those harmful compounds.
In other words, your handful of cashews is perfectly safe, and thankfully, itch-free!
Here is an interesting twist. Mangoes and pistachios are also part of the same plant family. Ever noticed some people react to mango skin? Now you know why.
It is just another reminder that nature is full of surprises. Something that can cause irritation in one form can be completely safe and enjoyable in another.
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