John Myers
The cashew tree is native to Brazil. A kidney-shaped kernel hangs at the lower end of the pepper-like cashew fruit, which we enjoy as a nut. After the complex processing, in which the shell and skin are removed from the nut, the cashew nuts can be processed further or eaten raw. When sold, they are light yellow and about 1 cm in size. They are very popular because of their mild, buttery taste.
Origin
The cashew nut originally comes from Brazil. Red or green apples, reminiscent of quinces or peppers, grow on the so-called cashew, cashew, or kidney tree. These fruits are processed into compotes or jams. The seeds grow outside the fruit and are turned off after harvest. The kernels are then dried or roasted in oil. The cashew tree is now also cultivated in India and large parts of Asia, Kenya, Tanzania, Mozambique, and other African countries.
Season
Cashew nuts are commercially available all year round.
Taste
Cashew nuts taste fine, creamy and mild with a fine almond aroma.
Use
Cashew nuts can be eaten raw without the shell and skin. They are also often roasted and salted and then used in nut mixtures. Oil can also be pressed from the kernels. The seeds are indispensable in many African and Asian dishes. They are commonly used in soups and curries. Cashew nuts are also ideal for baking. For example as a crunchy filling in muffins or chocolate brownies.
Storage
Cashew nuts should be stored dry and cool.
Nutritional value/active ingredients
But also many valuable, unsaturated fatty acids. They also provide 21g vegetable protein, 47g fat (about 38g unsaturated fatty acids), 22g carbohydrates, 3g fiber, magnesium, potassium, iron, phosphorus, zinc as well as copper, manganese, vitamin E, B1, biotin and folic acid.
The minerals phosphorus, copper and magnesium as well as vitamin B1 contribute to a normal energy metabolism, potassium is responsible for maintaining normal blood pressure and iron ensures the normal formation of red blood cells and the red blood pigment hemoglobin. Folate also supports normal blood formation. Zinc and biotin promote the maintenance of normal skin. Vitamin E and manganese help protect cells from oxidative stress.
