Leaf Cuisine is a local, Los Angeles cashew cheese based company with roots that date back to the formative Leaf Cuisine Restaurant run by "Raw Food's For Real People" author and chef Rod Rotundi.

Rod has dedicated his career to helping others understand the powerful benefits in raw foods and the positive effects it has on our mind and body.

An individual with such passion has now taken his latest endeavor to this year's Natural Products Expo West, where I met him and his lovely girlfriend Mia.

I tried the Smoked Gouda and The Original. I was hooked. The fermented cashew cheese spread was creamy, salty/sweet, soy-free, gluten-free and raw–a winning combination to create a minimally processed product.

Since scouting them at Expo West, they have added to their line.

After trying all the new flavors, I still stand firm on the Smoked Gouda being my standout favorite.

Since seeing them originally at my local Whole Foods, they have now expanded across the US. I have also seen them at Erewhon Market, Santa Monica Coop and Lassen's.