Cashew nut
Cashew Nut
The Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew apple. It can grow as high as 14 m (46 ft), but the dwarf cashew, growing up to 6 m (20 ft), has proved more profitable, with earlier maturity and higher yields.
Pronunciation
Cashew Nut: /ˈkaSHˌo͞o nət/
Etymology
The term "Cashew" comes from the Portuguese word "caju", which in turn, is derived from the indigenous Tupi name, "acaju", meaning "nut that produces itself".
Description
The Cashew Nut is kidney-shaped and is located at the bottom of the cashew apple. The nut is surrounded by a hard shell containing a caustic substance known as cashew balm, which must be carefully removed before the nut is safe to eat.
Related Terms
- Cashew Apple: The fruit produced by the cashew tree, which is not a true fruit, but a pseudofruit.
- Cashew Balm: A caustic substance surrounding the cashew nut inside its shell.
- Anacardium Occidentale: The scientific name for the cashew tree.
- Tropical Evergreen: A type of tree that retains its leaves throughout the year and grows in tropical climates.
Health Benefits
Cashew nuts are rich in Vitamins and Minerals that are essential for the normal functioning of the body. They also contain Antioxidants which help in reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
Culinary Uses
Cashew nuts are commonly used in cuisines around the world. They can be eaten on their own, used in recipes, or processed into cashew cheese or cashew butter.
Production
The largest producer of cashew nuts is India, followed by Ivory Coast, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Cashew nut
- Wikipedia's article - Cashew nut
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