Cashew
The cashew (Anacardium Occidentale, L.) is a medium-sized tree with a straight trunk, found in dry, sandy, or stony soils. The cashew fruit is shaped like a pear and consists of a soft, spongy mass, yellow and red in color, and pleasantly scented. Its juice contains a large amount of tannin. The name originates from the Tupi language and means “nut that is produced.”
Properties
Cashew is a food rich in vitamin C, offering three to four times more vitamin C than the orange. For this reason, it is a great immune system booster. The riper it is, the greater the amount of this nutrient. It is also a source of minerals, including zinc and iron.
Versatility
Cashew fruit is widely used in the preparation of jams, sweets, juices, ice cream, vinegars, brandies, liqueurs, and savory dishes. The cashew nut, on the other hand, is roasted, cooked, or used in the production of vegetable milk.