Cashew tree

Cashew Tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew apple. It can grow as high as 14 m (46 ft), but the dwarf cashew, growing up to 6 m (20 ft), has proved more profitable, with earlier maturity and higher yields.

Description

The cashew tree is large and evergreen, growing to 14 m (46 ft) tall, with a short, often irregularly shaped trunk. The leaves are spirally arranged, leathery textured, elliptic to obovate, 4–22 cm (1.6–8.7 in) long and 2–15 cm (0.79–5.91 in) broad, with smooth margins.

Cultivation

The cashew tree is cultivated in the tropics between 25°N and 25°S, and is commonly found in coastal areas. It is adapted to hot conditions, but cannot withstand cold temperatures. The tree is also drought-resistant and can grow in soils with a high salt content.

Production

The largest producer of cashews is India, followed by Ivory Coast and Vietnam. The average yield is 4–5 kg (8.8–11.0 lb) of nuts per tree, with optimum yields up to 20 kg (44 lb).

Uses

The cashew nut, often simply called a cashew, is widely consumed. It is eaten on its own, used in recipes, or processed into cashew cheese or cashew butter. The shell of the cashew nut yields derivatives that can be used in many applications including lubricants, waterproofing, paints, and, starting in World War II, arms production.

Health

Cashews are rich in several essential nutrients, including protein, dietary fiber, and minerals such as copper, manganese, and magnesium. However, they also contain a high amount of fat, most of which is monounsaturated fat.

See also

• List of culinary nuts
• List of tropical fruits