Written By Sam Henselijn
Cashew nuts are one of the most delicious nuts available to eat. They have a buttery flavor, perfect as a healthy snack. Have you wondered how cashew nuts grow? Most people care about taste, not how it comes into the market.
If you are one of those few people who want to know about the growing process of cashew nuts, this article is perfect for you. We at L’Orenta have a delicious collection of cashew nuts as well that are fresh and locally produced.
What are cashew nuts?
Cashew nuts are the seed from the cashew tree that also
produces the cashew apple. The cashew nut plant is also known as Anacardium occidentale. The cashew nut is not the seed of the cashew apple though; it is from the kidney-shaped structure that grows underneath the cashew apple known as drupe. The seeds of drupe are what we eat as nuts.
The cashew nut plant produces three products, basically. The seeds come enclosed in a shell, which is toxic for humans, so you very rarely see cashew nuts with their shells. This tree can grow up to 46 ft; however, the ones that grow up to 20 ft are more profitable for cultivators.
The cashew tree was first introduced in India in the 16th century from Brazil. In India, the nut grew in popularity and moved all over the country. They were propagated largely due to elephants eating the fruit and dispersing the seeds across land.
Are cashew nuts?
Although we do call cashews nuts, they are not nuts. They join the family of almonds, peanuts, walnuts, and other traditional nuts that are not nuts. Hazelnuts are hazelnuts and chestnuts, but cashews share many similarities with nuts. This is why they are considered nuts and used as nuts in food items.
So what are these nuts which are not really nuts? They are sometimes called drupes. As already mentioned, drupes are fruits that are fleshy on the outside and contain a shell covering a seed on the inside. These cashew nuts don’t fit the criteria of nuts and drupes fully, but they have characteristics of both the nuts and drupes. Therefore, they are considered “nut-like drupes” or “drupaceous nuts”.
How do cashews grow?
We already know that these nuts come from a cashew nut plant, so they grow on a tree. Here is more detail about how they grow and how they are cultivated for everyday use.
The cashews grow on a tree at the bottom of the cashew apple. The cashew nut shells are twisted and removed by hand during the harvesting season. Sometimes, if the nuts are very ripe, they can fall off the tree on their own as well and then be collected from the ground.
The reason this nut is expensive is because of the process of processing. You see, the outside shell of the nut contains a toxic and life-threatening compound called anacardic acid. Sometimes, when the shell is opened, it oozes highly corrosive oil referred to as CNSL, or ‘cashew nutshell liquid’. This liquid is highly dangerous when in contact with skin and can cause burns and sores. Roasting them at a very high temperature usually helps to get rid of the toxic substance and allows the shell to crack open.
Where to find the best cashews?
Cashews originated from India, but now they are found almost everywhere globally. These nuts are great for our health as they are low in sugar and high in fiber, which helps us feel full without gaining too much weight.
The nuts also have copper, magnesium, and manganese, which help in energy production, immunity, and bone health, reduce blood pressure, prevent heart diseases, and improve the body’s good cholesterol levels. Here are some great cashew nuts that can be found on our website.
Roasted and salted cashews
These Texas-sized cashews are a perfect snack for vegans and anyone who wants to stay healthy. They are slightly sweet and covered in high-quality sea salt, which gives them a salty punch. They are available in different sizes of bags and contain very low calories.
Butter toffee cashew
If you’re looking for something sweeter, butter toffee cashews are
a perfect snack. They use salted butter and sweet toffee, so they enhance the nut flavor. Each cashew nut is completely covered in butter and toffee. The nuts are brown in color due to the caramelized sugar.
Caramelized Chocolate and Sea Salt Cashews
These are delicious chocolatey snacks that are hard to stop eating. The nut is roasted, then covered in a toffee layer, then dipped into sweet milk chocolate, and dusted with sea salt. The level of flavor is hard to compete with.
Milk Chocolate Cashews
If you are someone who likes simple things in life, these sweet
milk chocolate cashews are going to satisfy your cravings. The cashews are, of course, first roasted and then covered in this rich milk chocolate. After this, each cashew is polished to give a perfect glossy finish.
In conclusion, cashew nuts are not only healthy but also extremely delicious. Order yours now!
Sam Henselijn Author’s Biography – Meet L’Orenta Nuts CEO
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