CASHEW – Anacardium occitdental (3g-container)

CASHEW – Anacardium occitdental

The scientific name “Anacardium occidentale” refers to the cashew tree, a tropical evergreen tree that produces both the cashew nut and the cashew apple

1. Botanical Classification:

• Belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes mangoes, pistachios, and poison ivy.
• Native to Northeastern Brazil.
• Cultivated in tropical regions worldwide, including Vietnam, Nigeria, India, and Brazil. 

2. The Cashew “Nut”:

• Botanically, the cashew is not a true nut but a kidney-shaped seed that grows attached to the bottom of the cashew apple.
• The cashew shell contains a caustic resin (cashew nut shell liquid or CNSL), which is toxic and can cause skin irritation and burns.
• Cashews are always sold without their shells and must be roasted to neutralize the toxic compounds before consumption. 

3. The Cashew Apple:

• The cashew apple is a fleshy, pear-shaped accessory fruit that is the swollen stem (or receptacle) of the cashew flower.
• It’s juicy, sweet, and astringent, with a flavor described as a blend of bell peppers, mangoes, cucumbers, and strawberries.
• Cashew apples are highly perishable and have a short shelf life.
• They can be eaten fresh, processed into juices, jams, or fermented into beverages like Feni in Goa, India. 

4. Cultivation and Uses:

• Cashew trees thrive in tropical climates with temperatures above 50°F.
• They prefer full sun and well-drained, sandy soil.
• The trees are relatively drought-tolerant and can withstand strong winds.
• Cashews are a popular snack food and are also used in cooking and baking.
• The cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) has various industrial applications, including lubricants, waterproofing, and paints. 

5. Nutritional Value:

• Cashews are a good source of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals.
• They contain nutrients like zinc, selenium, iron, copper, magnesium, phosphorus, lutein, zeaxanthin, and vitamins B6, E, and K.
• Cashew apples are a good source of vitamin C. 

In summary, the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a valuable crop that provides both the cashew nut and the cashew apple, with the nut being a popular food and the apple having various culinary and cultural uses.