The name cashew is derived from 'acaju,'- the Tupi-India tribe of Brazil as it was first discovered in this land. The cashew is an edible seed or nut that is a part of the polyoicous plant grown in Tropical and sub-tropical evergreen forests.
India accounts for over50 percent of world's cashew production, processing and exporting. In fact Quilon, the state of Kerala in the southern state of India is one of the biggest cashew producing regions in the world.
Scientific Name- ancacardium occidentale
History -Cashew, the edible seed or nut was first discovered by the Spanish explorers in Maranhao in Northern Brazil.
It is believed that cashew was introduced in India by the Christian Missionaries. It was planted to prevent soil erosion.
Places in India- Quilon or Kollam district in Kerala is the largest producer of Cashews in the world with the The Kerala State Cashew Development Corporation (KSCDC) having 34 cashew processing factories.
Content- Cashew is the repository of essential nutrients and fats. The fat ratio consists of 1:2:1:: Saturated: Monosaturated: Polysaturated fats. Cashew also contains amino acids and other essential components such as potassium, calcium, sodium,magnesium and phosphorous. It also contains greater percentage of copper, iron and zinc concentration than other nuts. Cashews are rich in minerals and water soluble vitamins content.
Uses of Cashew
- As cashews are very rich in proteins, minerals, vitamins and carbohydrates; they form an essential diet for children, convalescing patients, pregnant and lactating women.
- Cashew also enhances the nutrient value and the taste of the savory Indian Cuisines.
- Besides, cashew also has a lot of medicinal values. The Harvard School conducted a research and found out that Cashews have enormous health benefits. They are used in the treatment of varied diseases like anemia, scurvy, nervous breakdowns and so on owing to their great iron and vitamin content. Cashews can also reduce the risk of cardiac arrests, and lower the Cholesterol level.
Last Updated on 25 May 2011
