Sources
Where do you source your organic cashews and are these produced under safe conditions?
We source our organic cashews from Ceres Organics. They are supplied from Vietnam with shared values and who follow fair trade practices. This socially responsible company ensures workers are treated fairly and work under safe conditions. Handling is limited, with most of the processing done by machines. There is a small amount of processing by hand, due to limitations of the mechanical process, this is less than 5%. Workers are provided with safety equipment and strict processes are in place to protect them from any risk of exposure.
The following facilities are provided for the safety of those processing the cashews:
The area is well-ventilated with sufficient lighting.
Gloves, ear plugs and working shoes are provided.
Uniforms along with aprons are provided.
Safety goggles and safety helmets are provided.
Additional attendance allowance and machine cleaning allowance are provided for employees in the shelling section.
Employment is freely chosen, and unions are active in the factory.
What is your packaging made of?
Our main packaging is made from FSC-certified unbleached paper and coated with 100% natural soybean wax. It’s ideal for wrapping foods without affecting flavour. Conventional waxed paper is coated with paraffin wax – a petroleum-based product. If You Care uses soybean wax which is clean, safe, non-toxic, biodegradable and comes from a renewable and sustainable resource grown by farmers, giving them an economical use for their soybean surplus. The waxed paper is certified GM-free, compostable and chlorine-free, so no chlorine or chlorine derivatives are dumped into our lakes, rivers and streams.
100% natural soybean wax
FSC Certified unbleached greaseproof paper
Chlorine-free (TCF)
Coated on both sides
Minimum waste
Compostable after use
Unbleached recycled cardboard packaging, process chlorine-free (PCF)
Vegetable-based inks for printing
Not tested on animals
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
Gluten free
Allergen free
The gloss labels are recyclable so they can be placed in your paper recycling bin.
Do you use single-use plastics?
No. In our atelier, we only use single-use Free Paper Towels made from sustainably grown bamboo fibres. After use they end up in our compost. Auckland-based With Small has been certified through Toitū Envirocare as carbon zero since 2019 eliminating carbon footprint through purchasing carbon credits that help plant trees and install solar energy stations around the world.
Anything else I should know about your business?
We believe in a world where we can nurture our body as well as our planet.
We do not use nasty chemicals. We use plant based products for cleaning and sanitising our kitchen and equipment.
We practice zero waste principles. Batches are made to demand and any left overs we enjoy ourselves. Used paper is composted or recycled.
We love our organic ingredients. Sometimes certain herbs are unavailable, but the main ingredient cashews is always organic.
We dislike the idea of burning fossil fuel. All our deliveries are done in our trustworthy little Leaf and we’re not cooking with gas either.
We value the joy of making. It’s not our aim to grow into a big footprint factory but to keep our local cheese atelier artisan and bespoke.
We know our clients personally. Aside making high-quality nut cheese we’re convinced it’s always about the people, the people, the people.
We appreciate pauses. Aperitif time is better with cheese, so we created our own nut version to share and wrap up the working day.
We believe in transformational leverage. Here small interventions in the right places can create beneficial, system-wide effects.
We care about nutrition. Fermented cashews are low in sugar and rich in fibre, heart-healthy fats, and a good source of plant protein.
We care about nutrition. Fermented cashews are rich in copper, magnesium, and manganese for energy, immunity, and brain and bone health. Our products are probiotic. Lactobacillus Acidophilus & Bifidobacterium Lactis improve gut health.
And what about the nutritional values of cashews?
Cashews can improve heart health. Monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids help blood circulation and reduce your cholesterol levels.
Cashews can help maintain strong muscles. Magnesium helps to balance calcium levels and prevent muscle spasms including your heart muscle.
Cashews can boost your immune system. Zinc and copper help the development of your immune system cells and the production of antioxidant enzymes.
Cashews are rich in protein. 15 percent to be exact, which is important for rebuilding your muscle tissue and creating new cellular compounds.
Cashews are a good source of antioxidants. Both vitamins E and K can help your body fight off oxidative damage.
Cashews can help maintain bone and teeth health. The minerals phosphorus and calcium help to keep your gums and teeth healthy and strong.
Cashews can help convert food into energy. Manganese assists in breaking down carbohydrates, proteins, and cholesterol.
Cashews can help boost brain health. Iron, zinc, and copper regulate neurotransmitter pathways, improving your problem-solving and memory retrieval.
Cashews can help boost brain health. The amino acid tryptophan is essential for creating and boosting your levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Cashews can help improve eye health. Lutein and zeaxanthin can protect your eyes from light damage, macular degeneration and cataracts.
Cashews can help enhance skin health. Selenium, zinc, and vitamin E reduce inflammation, improve hydration, and help to keep your skin smooth.
Cashews can help enhance hair health. Copper stimulates the production of melanin, the pigments that give your hair its colour, texture, and shine.