Firstly a natural cashew has to be roasted in order to not be toxic to humans. They are a legume and legumes are toxic unless cooked. Secondly there is a substance between the shell and the cashew that is toxic and has to be washed out. This substance is used in paints. That is why you can't buy cashews already in the shell. Bottom line you will never be able to eat and taste a cashew in its natural state because it could make you at the very least sick.