What Do Cashews Grow On? Surprising Facts Explained
What Do Cashews Grow On?
Cashews grow on cashew apples, which are the fruit of trees native to Brazil.
The cashew apple is bitter and runny, making it better suited for jams rather than eating fresh.
However, the cashew seed is the part that is widely consumed.
The laborious process of picking, drying, steaming, freezing, and boiling the seeds contributes to the high cost of cashews.
It is important to note that cashews are technically seeds, not nuts.
Key Points:
- Cashews grow on cashew apples which are the fruit of trees native to Brazil.
- The cashew apple is bitter and runny, better suited for making jams.
- The cashew seed is the part that is widely consumed.
- The laborious process of picking, drying, steaming, freezing, and boiling the seeds contributes to the high cost of cashews.
- Cashews are technically seeds, not nuts.
- Cashews are not commonly consumed fresh due to the characteristics of the cashew apple.
Did You Know?
1. Cashews are not actually nuts but rather seeds! They grow on top of the cashew apple fruit, which is edible but less commonly consumed.
2. The cashew shell contains a toxic resin called anacardic acid, which can cause severe skin irritations. This resin is also used to make varnishes and insecticides.
3. Cashews were originally native to Northeastern Brazil and were later introduced to other parts of the world through Portuguese merchants during the 16th century.
4. Cashew trees are extremely resilient and can adapt to various climates, but they require hot and humid conditions to thrive. They are commonly found in tropical regions such as India, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.
5. Harvesting cashews can be quite challenging as the cashew nuts are enclosed in a hard, double-shell structure. Workers need to be cautious as the shells contain an irritating acid that can cause burns, making the harvesting process labor-intensive.
Cashews: Not Your Average Nut!
When you think of nuts, you might envision almonds, walnuts, or peanuts. But did you know that cashews, one of the most beloved and versatile snacks, are not technically nuts? In fact, cashews are seeds that grow on the cashew apple, a lesser-known fruit. These seeds undergo a laborious process of picking, drying, steaming, freezing, and boiling before they reach the shelves of your local grocery store.
Join us on a journey through the surprising facts and hidden origins of cashews!
Key points to note about cashews:
- Cashews are actually seeds, not nuts.
- They grow on the cashew apple, a lesser-known fruit.
- The seeds undergo a laborious process before they are sold in stores.
Viral Photo Reveals Surprising Cashew Growth
Imagine scrolling through your social media feed and stumbling upon a captivating photo of cashews in their mid-growth. Such a photo recently went viral, sparking curiosity and leaving many puzzled about cashew’s origin. The viral image displayed a cashew seed nestled atop a juicy apple-like fruit. This discovery shed light on the fact that cashews do not grow on trees as commonly believed but rather on the cashew apple.
The cashew apple, often overshadowed by its seed, is bitter and runny, making it unsuitable for consuming fresh. However, this fruit boasts flavors that are better suited for culinary purposes, such as making jams and other sweet preserves. It is the seeds within this unusual fruit that we commonly recognize as cashews.
- Cashews grow on the cashew apple, not on trees.
- The cashew apple is bitter and runny, not suitable for fresh consumption.
- The cashew apple is used to make jams and other sweet preserves.
The Hidden Origins Of Cashews: Seeds Of The Cashew Apple
To fully understand the growth of cashews, it is important to explore the origins of the cashew apple itself. Cashew trees, scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale, are native to Brazil and have thrived in the country’s tropical climate for centuries. These trees bear vibrant and attractive cashew apples, which can be bright yellow or red in color.
What makes cashew apples unique is that unlike most fruits, their seeds are not embedded within the flesh. Instead, each cashew apple only contains a single seed, which is attached to the fruit’s bottom. As the seed develops, it absorbs nutrients and moisture from the cashew apple, undergoing a transformation to become the delicious cashew nut that we all know and love.
Cashew Trees: A Native Treasure Of Brazil
Brazil, with its bountiful rainforests, is home to the natural habitat of cashew trees. These trees can reach impressive heights of up to 40 feet and have broad foliage that provides shade to the cashew apples. While Brazil stands as the largest producer of cashews globally, these trees have since been cultivated in various countries with tropical climates.
The cultivation and harvesting of cashews require time, patience, and expertise. As the cashew trees mature, they produce cashew apples, which are selectively hand-picked by skilled workers to ensure only the best quality fruits are chosen.
The labor-intensive process of picking, drying, steaming, freezing, and boiling the cashew seeds contributes significantly to the high cost of cashews. This meticulous preparation helps remove the toxic urushiol resin found within the cashew’s shell, making them safe to consume and enjoy.
From Bitter Apples To Delicious Seeds: The Transformative Journey Of Cashews
Transforming cashew apples into the golden, kidney-shaped seeds we know as cashews is no simple task. Once the cashew apples are harvested, they undergo a series of steps to ensure their safety and palatability. The seeds are first dried to remove excess moisture, then steamed to soften the shells, making them easier to separate from the precious kernels.
Following the steaming process, the cashew seeds are frozen to facilitate the removal of the shells, which can be quite challenging due to their toughness. Finally, the seeds are boiled to eliminate any remaining toxins, resulting in safe and delicious cashews ready to grace our snack bowls, meals, and various culinary creations.
Next time you reach for a handful of cashews, take a moment to appreciate not only their satisfying taste and texture but also their extraordinary journey from the humble cashew apple to the coveted seed. Cashews truly are nature’s small but mighty treasure!
Check this out:
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you eat cashew apples?
Yes, I absolutely enjoy cashew apples! While they may not be as widely available as the cashew nuts, they are indeed a delightful treat. The cashew apples possess a unique combination of sweetness and juiciness, making them perfect for creating a range of delicious products such as jams, juices, and even alcoholic beverages. Their vibrant flavor adds a refreshing twist to these concoctions, making cashew apples a hidden gem in the culinary world. So, if you ever come across the opportunity to taste these wonderful fruits, I highly recommend giving them a try!
Is cashew a tree or a plant?
The cashew is both a tree and a plant. It is an evergreen shrub or tree belonging to the sumac family, known as Anacardiaceae. It is cultivated primarily for its distinctively shaped edible seeds, which are commonly referred to as cashew “nuts.” While they may be called nuts, they are technically not true nuts but rather seeds. So, the cashew is botanically classified as a tree, but it is also considered a plant due to its characteristics as a shrub or tree with edible seeds.
Is A cashew a nut or a fruit?
While many consider the cashew to be a nut, it is actually a drupe. The cashew fruit consists of a fleshy exterior, with a shell housing the seed that we commonly consume. So, even though it may be referred to as a nut, botanically, it is classified as a drupe.
Why cashews are so expensive?
Cashews are known for their high price due to a combination of factors. Firstly, the process of roasting cashew nuts is not only challenging but also hazardous. Roasting is crucial to eliminate toxins present in cashews but can release harmful substances into the air, making it a risky procedure. Moreover, after the toxins are removed, cashews require thorough grading and sorting, which is a labor-intensive task. The combination of danger and manual labor involved contributes to the overall expense of cashews.