Cashew Apples are small, sweet, and firm. These are a great choice for the crispiest, juiciest apple you can find. Cashew apples are popular in the Indian subcontinent, where they are known as Amchur (also spelled amchoor). They are also popular in south India. When in season, they are available in most Indian grocery stores and large Indian food shops. Most people that know about these apples are confused about them: What are they? How do you eat them? And where can you get the most bang for your buck? Here are 5 benefits of cashew apples you may not know about.

1- Rich in antioxidants

Studies have found that the oil of this variety of apples is rich in antioxidants. The reason is that these apples are grown without pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals. They are also resistant to bacterial and fungal diseases. This means that if you have a digestive disorder or are taking any medications, you should definitely stay away from these apples.

2- Great source of dietary fiber

Fiber is important for your digestive system and natural balance. It keeps your stomach and bowel moving and prevents constipation. What’s more, it helps control your appetites. A diet that contains a lot of fiber is known to be healthy. However, people who are susceptible to developing digestive diseases like IBS or functional dyspepsia should stay away from these apples.

3- Good source of dietary minerals

As the name suggests, magnesium is a mineral found in abundance in these apples. It is essential for the body to function properly. What’s more, increased magnesium in the body can decrease blood pressure. People who experience headaches, muscle spasms, or changes in mental function should try to increase their magnesium intake.

4- Add essential minerals to your diet

If you have digestive diseases or are taking any medications, you should definitely consider adding essential minerals to your diet. They can help with various health conditions like osteoporosis, anemia, fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, muscle spasms, and even increase fertility. However, you should note that these minerals are only available in a plant-based diet.

5- A delicious way to eat fresh and crisp apples

These apples are definitely a crowd-pleaser. They are sweet, juicy, and crisp. You can eat them fresh or make apple butter. You can also use them to make pies, crisps, or cobblers. The list of uses goes on and on. These apples are also known as Amchur or sambhar in south India.

6- The perfect snack for kids or adults

Kids and adults can definitely enjoy these apples. You can either eat them alone or add them to your favorite desserts. They are also known as sambhar in south India where they are loved for making Gujarati pilau (a popular North Indian meal).

How to make Cashew Apple Bread?

Here’s how to make the ever-so-delicious cashew apple bread.

Sieve the soaked cashews in a bowl. Add the sugar, cardamom, salt, and sesame oil. Mix well and set aside. In a small pan, add the oil and mustard seeds. Once the seeds start to splutter, add the cumin and green chili. Once the chili and cumin are well-blended, set the pan aside. In a large bowl, add the soaked rice and the drained and rinsed urad dal. Add the sugar, salt, eggs, lemon juice, and egg yolk. Mix well and set aside. In a separate bowl, add the flour, ghee, turmeric, cumin, and ginger. Mix well and set aside.

Finally, add the soaked cashews and the rest of the ingredients mentioned above. Mix well and bake in the pre-heated oven at 350 F for about 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown. Let it cool down for 10 minutes before serving.

Conclusion

The benefits of cashew apples are pretty much endless. They are a good source of dietary minerals, vitamins, and dietary fibers. They are also known to be a good source of manganese, iron, and zinc. They are also a rich source of antioxidants. The only downside of these apples is that they are very pricey in India. But, if you were to buy them in America, you would find them for a much cheaper price.