The Cashew Nut Is Technically A Seed
History of Cashews
Cashews are native to equatorial South
America. From there it migrated to through the East
Indies to India by the Portuguese in the late 16th
century. From there it was introduced to Asia and Africa
and later to Australia.
Cashew nut is really a seed
The cashew is a strange fruit. The edible seed (or nut
to most) grows on the blossom end of an edible apple
which is very fragile and cannot be exported. The apple
is made into jam, jelly, marmalade and locally, as a
very popular juice. The juice is fermented to produce an
alcoholic drink.
The sap produces a resin that is used in
book binding and an insect resistant varnish. The oil of
the toxic shell is used to make waterproofing and is
used as an adhesive. The oil of the shell is also a
bactericide.
Health Benefits of Cashews
Cashews are lower in fat than almonds,
walnuts, peanuts and pecans. They provide protein,
fiber, potassium, iron, and zinc. Cashews make delicious
nut milk as a substitute for cow's milk. Simply put an
appropriate amount of water in a blender and add as many
cashews as may be desired to make the strength to you
desire.
Eaten in moderation, they are a useful
addition to healthy diet. The largest cashew tree in the
world is in Pirangi do Norte, city of Parnamirim, Rio
Grande do Norte. It was planted in 1888 and measures 500
feet (166 m) across. The trees show an interesting
anomaly as they grow roots wherever the sprawling
branches touch the ground.
(R.B.)
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