When it comes to nuts, cashews are one of the most popular. They're eaten by the handful, added to recipes, and turned into nut butter. But have you ever wondered how cashews are grown? Here's what you need to know.
The Cashew Apple
Before cashews can be harvested, they first have to grow. Cashew trees produce a fruit called a cashew apple. The cashew apple is red or yellow and looks like a bell pepper. It's juicy and sweet, with a slightly astringent taste.
The cashew apple is not often eaten on its own, but it is used to make juice, jams, and chutneys. It's also used in some traditional medicines.
The Cashew Nut
Inside the cashew apple is the cashew nut. The cashew nut is actually a seed that grows outside the fruit, attached to the bottom of the cashew apple.
Each cashew apple only produces one cashew nut. This makes cashews one of the most expensive nuts in the world.
Growing Cashews
Cashews are grown in tropical regions around the world, including India, Brazil, and Vietnam. The trees can grow up to 15 meters tall and have a wide canopy.
Cashew trees need a lot of water, but they don't like to be in standing water. They grow best in well-drained soil.
Harvesting Cashews
When cashews are ready to be harvested, the cashew apple is picked from the tree. The cashew apple is then split open, revealing the cashew nut.
The cashew nut is surrounded by a hard outer shell, which is removed using a special machine. The shell also contains a toxic oil that can cause skin irritation, so it's important to handle cashews carefully.
The Final Product
Once the cashews have been harvested and processed, they're ready to be sold. Cashews can be eaten on their own, added to recipes, or turned into nut butter.
Cashews are also used to make dairy-free milk, and the leftover pulp can be used to make vegan cheese.
Conclusion
Now you know how cashews are grown and harvested. From the cashew apple to the final product, it's a fascinating process. Just remember to handle cashews carefully to avoid any skin irritation from the toxic oil in the shell.