The cashew tree Anacardium occidentale belongs to the Anacardiaceae family. Native to Brazil but has spread all over the world possibly by Portuguese explorers.
The tree is tropical evergreen, resistant to draught and prefers deep snady soil. It grows with minimum attention. Cashew tree bears edible pear shaped false fruits or accessory fruits called cashew apples.
The nuts are bean or kidney shaped, cream white colour, smooth surface with delicate texture.
HEALTH BENEFITS
It is packed with fibre, vitamins and minerals.
Among the minerals are iron, magnesium, potassium, copper, zinc, and selenium.
The vitamins are mostly B vitamins. The nuts contain antioxidants too.
The nuts can be processed as follows