Looks like cashew. Cashew: how the nut grows and growing at home

And now this. Maybe someone will be surprised, they are used to buying in bags.

Cashews are the most popular nut in Thailand after peanuts (although neither of them are botanically nuts). And this nut is perhaps the most unusual, very in an interesting way he is growing.

Let's take a look at this...

The cashew tree belongs to the Sumakhov genus, which means it is a close relative of mango and pistachio (although you can’t tell by looking at it). Externally, the cashew plant does not stand out in any way: an ordinary fruit tree the size of an apple tree. Cashews came to Southeast Asia from Brazil; in Thailand, this plant can be found everywhere in the southern part of the country and especially on the islands.

What's unusual about cashews is the fruit. The fruit looks like a soft shiny pear of yellowish or pink color with a nut in a thick brown shell “suspended” from below.

The cashew apple, as this fruit is usually called, is in fact not a fruit at all, but an overgrown peduncle. There are no seeds inside the apple, and it itself is quite edible: very juicy, slightly fibrous and sour-watery in taste. Unfortunately, due to its softness and juiciness, the cashew apple cannot be transported and therefore you can only try it directly at the place where it grows.

The real fruit of the cashew tree is the same hooked nut suspended from the “pear” from below. It turns out that for one cashew apple there is only one nut - a small harvest, frankly speaking.

But that's not all: to get to the edible nut, you first need to deal with its shell. It contains extremely caustic resin - never try to pick it out with your bare hands, much less chew it raw nut cashew! Get a real chemical burn. This resin is neutralized during heat treatment, so the collected nuts are first fried, and then, one by one, manually freed from the hard shell and soft husk. Considering all the work that goes into extracting cashew nuts, it's surprising that they don't stand like a cast iron bridge.

In Thailand, cashew apples are eaten raw and a variety of drinks (including alcoholic ones) are prepared from them, and there are also plenty of recipes for Thai dishes with cashew nuts. The most famous of them is Cashew Chicken.

Cashew seeds contain much less fat than real nuts such as almonds, hazelnuts and walnuts. And they contain the same amount of vitamins and microelements, if not more. Cashews also contain antiseptic substances that kill bacteria in the mouth. Another advantage of cashews is their low allergenicity compared to other nuts.

Cashew fruits have wide application in cooking and more. Sorry, rate taste qualities The cashew apple is a perishable product, so we can only enjoy the nuts of this wonderful tree.

In India, up to 25 thousand tons of such apples are harvested annually. Juice, jams, jellies, compotes, and alcoholic drinks are prepared from them. Popularity of cashew apple juice in Latin America same as orange juice V North America or Europe.

If ripened cashew fruits can be eaten without fear fresh, then with cashew nuts it’s not so simple. Have you ever wondered why, unlike other nuts, cashews are never sold in shells? And all because between the shell and the shell, behind which the nut is hidden, there is a very caustic substance called cardol, which, upon contact with the skin, causes serious dermatological problems (the skin becomes covered with extremely painful blistering burns). Therefore, before going on sale, nuts are very carefully removed from the shell and shell, after which, as a rule, they undergo a special heat treatment until the oil has completely evaporated (even small quantity oil may cause poisoning). This is such a responsible and, without exaggeration, dangerous process that even among experienced nut “cutters” there are frequent cases of burns from this substance, because cutting nuts is done only by hand. Under no circumstances should you try to peel cashew nuts yourself if you suddenly have the opportunity somewhere in tropical countries!

Nuts are eaten raw and roasted, they are added to various salads, sauces, snacks and confectionery products. Also, high-quality oil is obtained from cashews, similar in quality to peanut butter.

Cashew nuts are consumed both raw and roasted. Roasted cashews have an excellent sweetish taste. It is usually fried with salt, although it retains a wonderful natural flavor without salt. Cashews are used in the preparation of various dishes and confectionery products, and a thick and aromatic sauce is also made from it. Not a single nut can compare with this noble plant.

Many people try to avoid eating cashews due to the misconception that the nuts are high in fat. In fact, they have even less fat than almonds. walnuts, peanuts, pecans.

You should buy whole nuts: they last longer. Discard wrinkled, dried and moldy nuts. They will keep for up to one month in a tightly sealed container, and up to six months in the refrigerator. freezer- up to a year). When stored in a warm place for a long time, nuts become bitter due to their high oil content.

Cashew calories

This is a high-calorie product with a high content of proteins and fats. 100 g of raw cashews contain 643 kcal. And in 100 g of fried cashews - 574 kcal. The product is not advisable for people who are obese.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

The use of cashews in cooking is not limited simple trick nuts are eaten as a snack, although they are really tasty on their own.

Cashews are often added to first and second courses and salads to increase their nutritional value and taste. In addition, all kinds of culinary sauces are created based on cashews. And, of course, like all nuts, they are added to baked goods and other confectionery products (desserts, ice cream, halva, etc.).

Cashews are especially popular in Asian (primarily Indian) cuisine, where they are used to cook rice, chicken, and various meat dishes. And Europeans mostly prefer roasted nuts with salt, honey or caramel.

I remind you something else interesting about flora: for example, and here. Let's find out what this plus is

Botanical name: Cashew or Western Anacardium, or Indian nut (Anacardium occidentale). Belongs to the Anacardium genus, Sumacaceae family.

Homeland of cashew: Brazil.

Lighting: photophilous.

Soil: nutritious, drained.

Watering: moderate.

Maximum tree height: 30 m.

Average life expectancy: 100 years.

Landing: seeds.

What are cashews: fruits and nuts in photos and videos

Cashew is an evergreen fruit tree reaching up to 13 m in height. In tropical conditions it can reach up to 30 m. The trunk is short, with low-lying branches. The crown is wide, spreading, dense, with a diameter of 10-12 m.

The leaves are alternate, oval or ovate, dense, leathery, entire, up to 22 cm long and 15 cm wide.

The flowers are pale, greenish-red, consist of five thin, pointed petals, collected in a panicle. Flowering lasts up to several weeks, as the flowers open alternately. The tree blooms, depending on the climate, from 1 to 3 times a year. During the year, periods of dormancy alternate with periods of vegetation and reproductive growth.

What is called the cashew fruit is a large, overgrown pear-shaped or oval stalk of red or yellow, 6-12 cm long. Hidden underneath is yellow, juicy, fibrous, slightly astringent, sourish pulp. This formation is called a “pseudofruit”. Because of its resemblance to an apple, the “pseudofruit” was nicknamed the “cashew apple.” Over the course of a year, up to 25,000 tons of such “apples” are harvested in countries where this plant is grown. They are used to make jellies, jams, compotes, juices, and alcoholic drinks.

The true fruit is nut-shaped and develops at the end of the stalk. Covered with a double shell. The outer one is smooth, greenish, the inner one is dense, rough. Under the shell there is an edible kernel. Average weight one nut 1.5 g.

Externally, the cashew fruit resembles a smaller boxing glove. The nut itself is shaped like a comma.

These interesting features cashews are depicted in the following photos:

How and where the cashew tree grows: photos and facts

The homeland of this plant is Brazil, where the cashew tree has been cultivated since ancient times. Today, this crop is grown in 32 countries with a tropical climate. These include India, West Africa, Indonesia, South America, Iran, Azerbaijan and other countries. These are the basic facts and the birthplace of the cashew tree.

The plant is unpretentious and easy to grow. Sensitive to frost. Tolerates drought well and high temperatures. Prefers nutritious, well-drained soils. Grows in sunlit areas and in partial shade.

A photo of a cashew tree can be seen below:

Cashew nuts

Thanks to the widespread export of the fruits of this plant, what cashew is is known in all countries. However, unlike other nuts, Indian nuts are sold without shells. This is due to the fact that between its outer shell and the core contains a poisonous oil (phenolic resin), which causes burns when it comes into contact with human skin. Therefore, after harvesting, the nut kernels are removed from the shell and shell. Then they undergo heat treatment until the phenolic resin evaporates completely.

The fruits are collected when they are fully ripe. Ripe fruits are removed from the tree, the nuts are separated from the pseudo-fruit, dried in the sun, then fried on metal sheets and shelled.

Cashew nuts are consumed fresh or roasted and are also widely used in cooking. They are added to salads, appetizers, first and second courses, and confectionery. In addition, they produce high-quality oil, which is an analogue of peanut oil. Roasted nuts have a pleasant sweetish taste. When frying, add a small amount of salt, this allows them to preserve their natural aroma.

Cashews are also used in medicinal purposes. With its help, they treat anemia, dystrophy, psoriasis, and strengthen the immune system.

The composition of nuts includes proteins, fats, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, starch, natural sugars, vitamins, minerals, Omega-3 fatty acids. Therefore, using daily this product in small quantities you can fill the body with necessary substances.

The calorie content of 100 g of nuts is 630 kcal.

In case of an overdose, symptoms of food poisoning such as nausea, vomiting, skin itching, and swelling may occur.

How to choose cashews? Today, roasted and unroasted, whole and split nuts are available for sale.

When choosing, you should pay attention to appearance and the smell of the product. For example, wrinkled, moldy, dried nuts with an unpleasant, musty odor should not be consumed.

It is recommended to buy undamaged nuts of uniform color. Whole cashews last longer than chopped cashews. Shelf life in the refrigerator is 6 months. In the freezer – 1 year. When stored for a long time in a warm place, the nuts acquire a bitter taste and begin to sprout.

You can see what cashew nuts look like in this photo.

Cashew cultivation

Despite the fact that this crop is tropical, it can be grown at home: in a greenhouse or in a winter garden. However, it must be taken into account that where cashews grow, the climate is warm and humid, so when growing it, it will be necessary to create climatic conditions as close as possible to the tropics.

The plant is propagated by seeds. Before planting, the seeds need to be germinated; to do this, they are placed in a container with water for 48 hours. During seed germination, the water becomes colored blue, this occurs because fresh, unshelled nuts leak poisonous substance, so the water needs to be changed 2 times a day. This must be done very carefully, since spilling poisonous water on your hands can cause a burn.

Containers for planting seeds are prepared in advance. The soil mixture should be light, loose and nutritious. One seed is placed in each pot. The first shoots will appear in 2-3 weeks. Pots with seedlings are placed in a sunny place. It is important to monitor air humidity, spray the plant daily and carry out regular watering. When growing cashews, periodic fertilizing with universal ones is carried out.

Because this culture is different rapid growth, along with the appearance of the next leaf, a lateral shoot is formed, therefore, in order to give the tree a certain size and shape, it is periodically pruned in the first years after planting.

It is necessary to carefully monitor how cashews grow. At proper care the tree will begin to bloom and bear fruit in 2-3 years. To get a good harvest, pruning is carried out in the fall, leaving only the trunk and skeletal branches.

You can see how cashews grow in the following photos:

This page contains a video of how cashews develop at home.

Uses of cashew nuts

When processing the cashew tree, all its parts are used. The nuts are cleaned and exported to other countries.

Cashew apples are also used in food industry. The pseudofruit contains a large amount of tannin and spoils quickly, so it has short term storage and cannot be transported. You can try such “apples” only in those countries where this plant grows.

It is noteworthy that in Africa, cashews are used for tattooing. In Brazil, the nuts are used as an aphrodisiac and also serve to treat indigestion and colds.

An oil is obtained from the shell of the fruit, which is included in pharmaceutical medicines and many cosmetics skin care.

This exotic is also used for the manufacture of varnish, rubber, and drying oil. Its wood is quite durable and resistant to rotting, so it is used in shipbuilding and furniture production. Gum is extracted from the trunks of old trees.

Origin of the name

Since ancient times unpretentious plant Cashews were cultivated by the Tinuka Indians who lived in what is now Brazil. The Indians called the culture “yellow fruit,” which in their language sounded like “acaju.” From this name later came the Portuguese caju, from which the English “cashew” later appeared, which later became the most common.

The closest relatives of the crop are mango, poison ivy, mombin and lacquer tree.

And now this. Maybe someone will be surprised, they are used to buying in bags.

Cashews are the most popular nut in Thailand after peanuts (although neither one nor the other is a nut from a botanical point of view). And this nut is perhaps the most unusual; it grows in a very interesting way.

Let's take a look at this...

What's unusual about cashews is the fruit. This fruit looks like a soft shiny pear of yellowish or pink color with a nut “suspended” from below in a thick brown shell.

Photo 3.

Photo 4.

The real fruit of the cashew tree is the same hooked nut suspended from the “pear” from below. It turns out that for one cashew apple there is only one nut - a small harvest, frankly speaking.

Photo 5.

But that's not all: to get to the edible nut, you first need to deal with its shell. It contains an extremely caustic resin - never try to pick or even chew a raw cashew nut with your bare hands! Get a real chemical burn. This resin is neutralized during heat treatment, so the collected nuts are first fried, and then, one by one, manually freed from the hard shell and soft husk. Considering all the work that goes into extracting cashews, it's surprising that they don't stand like a cast iron bridge.

Photo 6.

Photo 7.

Photo 8.

Cashew fruits are widely used in cooking and more. Unfortunately, the taste of the cashew apple is a perishable product, so we can only enjoy the nuts of this wonderful tree.
In India, up to 25 thousand tons of such apples are harvested annually. Juice, jams, jellies, compotes, and alcoholic drinks are prepared from them. The popularity of cashew apple juice in Latin America is similar to that of orange juice in North America or Europe.

If ripe cashew fruits can be eaten fresh without fear, then with cashew nuts it is not so simple. Have you ever wondered why, unlike other nuts, cashews are never sold in shells? And all because between the shell and the shell, behind which the nut is hidden, there is a very caustic substance called cardol, which, upon contact with the skin, causes serious dermatological problems (the skin becomes covered with extremely painful blistering burns). Therefore, before going on sale, nuts are very carefully removed from the shell and shell, after which, as a rule, they undergo special heat treatment until the oil completely evaporates (even a small amount of oil can cause poisoning). This is such a responsible and, without exaggeration, dangerous process that even among experienced nut “cutters” there are frequent cases of burns from this substance, because cutting nuts is done only by hand. Under no circumstances should you try to peel cashew nuts yourself if you suddenly have the opportunity somewhere in tropical countries!

Photo 9.

Nuts are eaten raw and roasted, they are added to various salads, sauces, snacks and confectionery products. Also, high-quality oil is obtained from cashews, similar in quality to peanut butter.

Many people try to avoid cashew nuts due to the misconception that the nuts are high in fat. In fact, they have even less fat than almonds, walnuts, peanuts, and pecans.

You should buy whole nuts: they last longer. Discard wrinkled, dried and moldy nuts. In a tightly sealed container they will keep for up to one month, and in the refrigerator for up to six months (in the freezer for up to a year). When stored in a warm place for a long time, nuts become bitter due to their high oil content.

Cashew calories

This is a high-calorie product with a high content of proteins and fats. 100 g of raw cashews contain 643 kcal. And 100 g of fried cashews - 574 kcal. The product is not advisable for people who are obese.

Nutritional value per 100 grams:

Photo 10.

Photo 11.

Photo 12.

The culinary uses of cashews go beyond simply eating the nuts as a snack, although they do taste delicious on their own.

I remind you of something else interesting about the plant world: for example, and here. Let's find out what this plus is The original article is on the website InfoGlaz.rf Link to the article from which this copy was made -

Cashews have become a popular snack thanks to their rich, delicious flavor. The cashew or Indian nut tree (Anacardium Occidentale), from the family Sumacaceae, which produces nut buds, grows on the coast of northeastern Brazil. They are now grown in other countries with tropical climates, for example in Africa, Southeast Asia and India.

Another bright representative of the Sumakhov family is the spice sumac. You will learn about its beneficial properties.

Reliably protected from external influences With the seed pod, cashew nuts are attached to the lower part of an overgrown pear-shaped stalk. This edible stalk is called the caju apple.

Walnut shells are unsuitable for food because they contain strong allergens - phenolic resins that cause skin irritation. But from it they obtain caju oil (cardoil), which is valued in medicine and technology.

Apples seem to be varied in color scheme. There are yellow, orange or red. They are juicy with tasty, slightly sour flesh. Like our apples, they are used to make juices, jellies, jams and wine.

Collection and processing requires significant labor costs, since the seed pods have to be collected daily. They are thoroughly cleaned and then fried. After roasting, the box opens easily and the nuts are removed. This process is carried out manually and requires special care and attention.

Nutritional value

Cashew nuts are a source of large amounts of energy. They contain proteins, carbohydrates, antioxidants, fiber, many vitamins and minerals, and monounsaturated fats.

Per 100 g of product: 30.19 g carbohydrates, 18.22 g protein, 3.3 g fiber, 5.91 g sugar, 43.85 g fat. Calorie content – 553 kcal. Vitamins and minerals: 5.31 mg vitamin E, 37 mg calcium, 6.68 mg iron, 593 mg phosphorus, 292 mg magnesium, 660 mg potassium, 5.78 mg zinc, 2.19 mg copper, 0.42 mg thiamine, 1.06 mg niacin and 0.06 mg riboflavin.

Useful properties

Protection for the heart. Nuts do not contain cholesterol. But in them you will find unsaturated fatty acids, such as oleic acid. It reduces triglyceride levels in the blood and improves blood circulation. Since cashews are rich in antioxidants, they reduce the risk of heart disease.
Bone health. Regular consumption of cashews ensures strong bones and healthy teeth due to additional intake of magnesium and calcium.
Anti-cancer properties. Nut proanthocyanidins have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Cashews have been proven to prevent the growth and proliferation of cancer cells. Large quantity copper (219% DV per 100 g) reduces the risk of colon cancer. This trace element is also involved in the production of melanin and strengthening of joints.
Help with weight loss. It is a mistake to think that loving cashews leads to weight gain. extra pounds. On the contrary, they help you lose weight because they speed up your metabolism. And thanks to the fiber found in nuts, you will feel full longer. Read more in this article.
Pressure control. High blood pressure– a dangerous condition fraught with damage to blood vessels, heart attack and stroke. There are medicines to maintain normal blood pressure, but safer and more natural let - healthy image life and a balanced diet consisting of foods rich in potassium and fiber, including cashews.
Thanks to high level Cashew nut dietary fiber is useful for regulating digestion and stool.
For diabetes. Nuts normalize blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Fiber and magnesium contribute to this. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats in cashews reduce cell resistance to insulin. Antioxidants play an important role in the prevention of diabetes.
Against stress. Magnesium, tryptophan, and omega-3 fatty acids improve mental health. For example, tryptophan causes the brain to produce more serotonin, thanks to which the state of health stabilizes and the ability to healthy sleep. All of these substances are contained in cashew nuts.
Healthy liver. Copper is an important mineral necessary for the breakdown of fats. Its deficiency increases the risk of heart disease and leads to fatty liver. Eating cashews helps replenish the lack of copper in the body.
Strong teeth are another beneficial property of Indian walnut. Calcium, magnesium and phosphorus strengthen teeth, while other bioactive compounds in cashews destroy bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease.
High cholesterol often leads to the formation of stones in the gallbladder followed by inflammation. Characteristic symptoms: severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Eating cashew nuts reduces the risk of gallstones.

In cooking

Cashews are used in baking confectionery. This can be a filling for a pie or baklava, a filler for ice cream and other desserts.

Among vegans, nut butter for sandwiches is popular, its consistency is similar to.

Roasted and salted cashews have an original taste. They are served as a snack.

Chopped nuts add the necessary density to sauces and soups with a creamy texture.

Possible harm

Despite their enormous benefits, cashews can also be harmful to health.

Allergic reactions. Usually this is a mild rash or irritation, but in rare cases anaphylaxis is possible. Symptoms of allergic shock: swelling of the throat, itching, rash, nausea, vomiting and low blood pressure. If you notice one or more of these symptoms after eating nuts, seek immediate medical attention.
Kidney stones. Nuts contain plant oxalates, which combine with calcium to form stones. People prone to such diseases should reduce their consumption of this product.

If you take a closer look at 11 useful properties cashews we reviewed today, you won’t need any additional reasons to include these nuts in your diet.

In Brazil, this tree is called “caju”, in Latin its name is “Anacardium occidentale”, but in our country it is called “”. Its fruits are known to every person. Therefore, many summer residents want to grow a tree on their own. Let's figure out what this is, and whether it is possible to plant it on yours.

Description

How and where do cashews grow?

Cashews love it moist and warm climate , so some saw how it grows only in the photo. However, for Brazil, his homeland, it is considered common. It was first discovered in the eastern Amazon (modern part of Brazil).

Grown in all tropical countries. India and Vietnam are considered its largest producers. Therefore, you can often find the name “Indian nut”. Also common in Africa, Iran and Azerbaijan.

In total, plantations are located in 32 countries. Its production is growing steadily. From 1965 to 2009 alone, it increased 8.5 times worldwide.

Conditions for home growing

Akazhu, as cashews are also called, is moisture-loving and tolerates high temperatures. Flowering occurs in spring and summer. The fruits ripen within two to three months. The plant reproduces by seeds.

Therefore, before planting, you should germinate it in a pot. To do this, you need to soak the seeds in water for two days. But be careful, because they and the water you take them out of can cause irritation on your hands.
Then they need to be planted in small pots up to 2 liters in volume. Sprouts will appear within the first month after planting. It is also important to have plenty of light and carbon dioxide. But this applies to anyone.

Climate

Tropical climate- an ideal habitat for acaju. Our temperate climate is not at all suitable for growing it, since the exotic plant will simply die at a temperature of even +5°C. You need a very large greenhouse if you want to grow cashews.

The fact is that the tree grows quickly. And the air humidity, which is needed for normal development of fruits, is at least 95%.

But don't forget that excess moisture can harm others. After all, mold or other fungi may appear. Therefore, reduce this indicator using high temperature.

For example, in the morning you created the desired level of humidity in the greenhouse (taking into account that you have other exotic plants) then, when a slight haze forms, turn off the humidifier. Until the evening everything will dry out and in the morning you will repeat the procedure again.
The average temperature in which cashews should grow is 30-32°C. However, any tropical plant needs this temperature.

Soil

It is grown indoors and requires loamy soil, which will remain in the roots of the tree for a long time. Although in the first stages, when only the seeds are growing, use a light one. Chernozem is also suitable for wood.

Features of nut care

Done every two days. Usually they look at top layer land. Feeding should be done once a week. Of course, you can do it every day. But you need to divide proportionally. If you are supposed to have it once a month, then divide this part, for example, into 4 times and feed every week.

Important! Frequent feeding in small portions is more effective than infrequent feeding in large portions.

In the first years of development of the directly transplanted tree, prune it. This will allow the nut to grow not too tall and with a small crown. Abundant feeding is recommended. This is due to the original place of growth. The fact is that in the tropics the soil-forming rocks are minerals. Therefore, I think you can’t do without them at home.