Cashew tree, Anacaerdium occidentale, Commonly known as Kaju, (काजू) is a kernel of a fruit. A kidney-shaped, grayish and hard shelled part of Cashew is actual fruit. What we call as Cashew apple is the flower stalk (flower stem) which expands to look like a fruit.
Cashew tree is of medium size and is very drought resistant. It is an evergreen tree. In Konkan area of Maharashtra and also in Goa, they are widely planted on red laterite rocky sites. The tree has a canopy which grows like an umbrella. Though the real fruit, cashew nut has very good keeping qualities, cashew apple has very fine skin and gets easily punctured with slightest abrasion. Cashew apple is very juicy and has slightly fibrous pulp and has astringent taste. Some people are allergic to the juice of cashew apple and get severe throat irritation. The hard shell of cashew has very high content of oil which is highly irritant but can be used to preserve wood and to make varnish etc. Kernel of the fruit has high protein, dietary fibers and minerals values. For preservation of kernel cashew fruits are roasted and then shelled. Tender cashew kernel (ओले काजू) are kernel of the tender fruit, just before fruits mature fully. Cashew apple juice can be preserved or can be made in to syrup. Liquor called as Feni (फेणी) is made from cashew apples. Cashew kernel is used widely in confectionery and sweets.
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| Cashew tree |
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| Cashew leaves |
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| Cashew flowers |
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| Cashew fruits are just formed |
Cashew tree is native to Brazil. Portuguese brought this to India and the tree has been naturalized in India now. Cashew is propagated with seeds or by grafting.
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| Processed cashew nuts |
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