The shells of cashews can really cause a rash similar to the poison ivy rash. This is because the cashew plant that contains the nut is in the same plant family as poison ivy. A rash can occur when the skin comes into contact with the oil on the cashew shells, which is why cashews are among the few types of nuts that are only sold without their shells. Roasting can help remove the cashew shell oil, so roasted cashews in their shells are considered safe to handle. The oil that is released during the roasting process is often stored and used for non-edible products, such as varnish.
More about cashews:
- Cashew nuts actually grow inside the cashew fruit, which is similar in appearance to a pear; however, it must be consumed quickly after being picked so it’s generally only consumed in the immediate areas where it grows.
- Commercially sold cashews are known for their light brown appearance that occurs from the roasting, but the nut is naturally a greenish-gray color.
- Cashew nut shell oil processing plant workers have been found to be cured of their poison ivy allergic reactions after repeated exposure to cashew oil.