Cashew
Family Anacardiaceae
Anacardium occidentale, the cashew (A. occidentale 1), is a spreading evergreen tree, up to 12 m high, widely distributed throughout the drier areas of the tropics. The leaves are alternate, simple and leathery. The inflorescence is a terminal panicle, up to 20 cm long (A. occidentale 2), with small male and bisexual flowers. Male flowers with 9 stamens of which one with a long stalk; bisexual flowers with 9 stamens of which one with long stalk and a superior 1-celled ovary. The fruit is a kidney-shaped nut, about 3 cm long, hanging below a large fleshy ‘apple’ , made of the enlarged pedicel and receptacle (A. occidentale 3).
Distribution
The cashew is a native of tropical America and the West Indies. It was introduced into India and East Africa about the 16th century by the early Portuguese and Spanish explorers.
Use
Cashew nuts are produced by shelling the roasted fruits, a laborious process that is mainly done in India. The nuts are rich in fat and protein and are used as dessert nuts and in confectionery. The shells of the nuts yield cashew oil that is used as a waterproofing agent and as a preservative. In some countries a fermented drink is made from the cashew ‘apples’ . The main exporting countries are India, Mozambique and Tanzania; the largest importer is the US.