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.
