Have you ever wondered how cashews grow? These delicious nuts are a favorite snack for many, but few people know about their unique growth process. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of cashew cultivation, from the planting of the seed to the harvest of the nut.
The Cashew Tree
The cashew tree, scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale, is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew nut. It is native to northeastern Brazil but is now grown in many tropical regions around the world, including India, Vietnam, and several African countries.
The tree can reach heights of up to 12 meters and has a broad, spreading canopy. The leaves are oval-shaped and leathery, while the flowers are small and pinkish-red. But the most distinctive feature of the cashew tree is its fruit.
The Cashew Fruit
The cashew tree produces a unique fruit known as the cashew apple. This is a soft, pear-shaped fruit that is bright yellow or red. The cashew apple is not a true fruit, but rather a swollen stem. The true fruit of the cashew tree is the small, kidney-shaped nut that grows at the end of the cashew apple.
The cashew apple is edible and has a sweet, yet slightly astringent taste. It is often used in jams, juices, and desserts in countries where cashews are grown. However, it is highly perishable and cannot be transported long distances, which is why it is rarely seen in grocery stores outside of cashew-growing regions.
How Cashews Grow
Now that we understand the cashew tree and its fruit, let’s delve into the process of how cashews grow. This process begins with the planting of the cashew seed and ends with the harvest of the cashew nut.
Planting the Seed
The first step in growing cashews is planting the seed. Cashew seeds are typically planted at the beginning of the rainy season. They are planted in well-drained soil and require plenty of sunlight to grow.
After planting, the seeds will germinate in about 4-5 days. The seedlings are then transplanted to their permanent location after about 2-3 months. It takes about 3 years for the cashew tree to start producing fruit.
Harvesting the Nuts
The cashew nut is ready to harvest when the cashew apple turns bright yellow or red. The nuts are harvested by hand, as they must be carefully detached from the cashew apple to avoid damaging the nut.
After harvesting, the nuts are dried in the sun for a few days. This helps to remove the outer shell of the nut, which contains a toxic resin known as cashew balm. This resin can cause skin irritation, so the nuts must be properly processed before they can be eaten.
Processing Cashews
Once the cashews have been harvested and dried, they must undergo a series of processing steps to make them safe to eat. This process involves roasting, shelling, and peeling the nuts.
Roasting
The first step in processing cashews is roasting. This is done to remove the toxic resin from the outer shell of the nut. The nuts are roasted at a high temperature for about 20 minutes. This causes the shell to crack open and the resin to burn off.
After roasting, the nuts are left to cool before they are shelled. This is a delicate process that must be done by hand to avoid damaging the nut.
Shelling and Peeling
Once the nuts have cooled, they are shelled. This involves removing the outer shell to reveal the raw cashew nut inside. The nuts are then peeled to remove the thin skin that covers the nut.
After peeling, the nuts are washed and dried. They are then ready to be packaged and sold.
Conclusion
As you can see, the process of how cashews grow is quite complex. It involves a series of steps from planting the seed to processing the nut. But the result is a delicious and nutritious snack that is enjoyed by people all over the world.
So the next time you enjoy a handful of cashews, take a moment to appreciate the journey these nuts have taken from the tree to your table.
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