The cashew tree- which is tropical and evergreen doesn’t only provide the nuts we munch on. It is much more than that. The cashew tree has its fruit with its base somewhat of the shape of an apple and the general form like that of a pear, with a bean-shaped thing hanging from its base. Well, the apple-shaped stuff is known as the Cashew apple and the bean-shaped thing is the Cashew nut. This nut is simply called as the Cashew or Kaju in the Indian Subcontinent.
The extract from the Cashew Apple is what forms fruit drink. This is generally distilled into liquor.
Cashew Kernels:
The Cashew Kernels are the Cashew Nuts. the tree is basically native to central and southern America including the Caribbean Islands. Cashew is nevertheless used mostly in Indian and Pakistani Cuisine.
Heard of Kaju Barfi ever? Well, this amazingly delicious sweet is all made from these Cashew Kernels. Moreover, Cashews are used in Puddings, Icecreams, in curries like korma.
In the tradition of Kashmiri Marriages, Cashews are used in dood-kehwa. This is a milk-based green tea with Saffron, served to the groom’s procession while he has come to take away the bride. Also, Kashmir’s put the chopped cashews over a large plate of Meat called Traami in the marriage ceremonies.
furthermore, Cashews are in dishes like pulao, biryani, etc too.
Currently, the highest producers of Cashew nuts in the world are Vietnam, India, Africa, and the Philippines.
19% of the world’s total cashew production is from India. Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Goa, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Odisha, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Gujrat, and the northeastern states are where the cultivation of Cashews is witnessed. The highest yield is obtained from Maharastra, then from Andhra Pradesh, and then from Odisha.
Cashew Nutrition:
100 grams of Cashews provides 553 KCal of energy, 30 grams of carbohydrates, and 44 grams of Fats. Also, 18 grams of protein, 13% of dietary fiber is also present. Furthermore, it provides the other body essentials like Vitamins and Minerals that become the source of Exceptionally extraordinary benefits.
Oil is extracted from these nuts and then used for cooking purposes too. This oil is a byproduct of the cashews being processed by nature of course. This oil acts as a basic ingredient for medicines, antioxidants, fungicides, and biomaterials.
Cashew Calories:
Like the other nuts, the Cashews have a shell too. This unshelled nut is steamed to soften the shell so as to remove it easily. After the steaming takes place the skin peels of very easily. The cashew kernels are obtained by roasting, shelling, and peeling the nuts out.
After the nuts are obtained, the grading takes place. White cashews, whole, pieces, etc. the grading is done based on the shape, size, and color of the kernel.
The best thing about the tree is that it flowers once a year and within two months November to January its fruit ripens.
As mentioned Cashew provides 553 KCal of energy per 100 grams. All the benefits this nut serves are because of the nutrition it holds. After all, this is what they call it- the Natural Vitamin Pills.
Benefits of Cashew Nuts:
Nearly all nuts and dried fruits serve the same benefits. What new is about Cashews?
Cashews are known to treat the GallStones. Firstly, cashew provides a good amount of plant-based protein, energy. The unsaturated fats present lowers the LDL thus helping to reduces the Gallstone risks.
Cashews are good for heart health and overall cardiovascular health. Cashews lower the blood pressure levels and LDL cholesterol. Cashews help in maintaining RBC count and the hemoglobin levels as it has a good content of iron in it. Also, the copper along with iron keeps the blood-pressure, immune system, blood vessels, nerves, and bones in good health- thus optimizing blood health.
High levels of lutein and zeaxanthin, which act as antioxidants, when consumed daily reduce the macular degeneration risks and the risks of developing the Cataract.All nuts aid in weight loss. And cashews do that too. Those with hyperglycemia must start consuming Cashews as it is known to reduce the blood sugar levels too. Thus preventing diabetes and cardiovascular diseases- as there is a link between hypertension and hyperglycemia.
