Find Where Do Cashews Grow and learn about the specific environmental and growing conditions required for cultivating these nuts.
Cashew nuts are a popular snack that is enjoyed all around the world. However, not many people know how these nuts grow. In this article, we will have a look at Where Do Cashews Grow and also learn about their planting and harvesting!
Find Where Do Cashews Come From? here
What are Cashews?
The cashew nut, a tropical evergreen plant’s seed, grows on a cashew tree that can reach up to 20-35 feet tall. They are widely available and consumed all over the world and are a popular ingredient in many cuisines.
Cashews are a good source of protein, fiber, and several essential minerals and vitamins, including copper, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and vitamin K. They are also relatively high in fat, but most of the fat is unsaturated, which is considered to be heart healthy. Cashews also contain antioxidants, which may offer a variety of health benefits.
What is a Cashew Apple?
The fruit of the cashew tree is known as a cashew apple, which belongs to a unique category of fruits called “accessory fruits.” These fruits do not originate from the ovary but from the floral parts of the plant.
Cashew apples are distinctive because they develop after the cashew nut has fully matured. They emerge from the stem of the cashew drupe and resemble misshapen apples in appearance.
When ripe, they are yellow-red in color and contain sweet, pulpy flesh. However, cashew apples have a short shelf life and typically spoil within a few days of ripening. Local growers may sell their cashew apples nearby, while others use them to make juice or liquor.
Where Do Cashews Grow?
So, Where Do Cashews Grow? The origin of cashew trees can be traced back to Northwestern Brazil. However, explorers have introduced them to various regions across the globe.
Nowadays, India and the Ivory Coast are the top two producers of cashew nuts, with Burundi, Vietnam, and the Philippines following closely. After planting, it takes approximately three years for the cashew tree to bear its first fruit.
Growers typically wait for eight years before a full commercial harvest. Fully mature and healthy cashew trees produce fruit each year and are typically harvested between February and May.
Growing a Cashew Tree
- Cashew seeds can be purchased from a garden store or online from a reputable seller.
- Plant the cashew seed in a pot filled with well-draining potting soil. Place the pot in a warm, sunny location and water it regularly to keep the soil moist.
- Allow the seedling to grow in its pot for at least two years, or until it reaches a height of two to three feet.
- When the tree is two to three feet tall, transplant it into a larger pot or a sunny spot in your garden.
- Water the cashew tree regularly. If the soil becomes dry, water the medium deeply and allow the excess water to drain away.
- Feed the tree with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks during the growing season.
- Prune it to encourage a strong, healthy shape.
- Protect the cashew tree from extreme cold, which can cause damage or even death to the tree. Wrap the trunk in burlap or another material during cold weather.
We also have a great article on how to grow a cashew tree here.
Flowering and Pollination
Cashew trees bloom in the early spring, producing small, yellow, or pink flowers. These flowers contain both male and female reproductive organs, but they do not self-pollinate. Instead, they rely on insects such as bees and flies to transfer pollen from one flower to another.
Harvesting
To harvest cashews, wait until the cashew apples turn pink or red and the cashew nut shells are gray. Once harvested, separate the cashew apple from the nut. The cashew apple can be eaten raw or used to make juice, while the unshelled cashew nuts can be stored for up to two years.
It’s important to note that the cashew shell contains a caustic oil that can burn the skin, so it’s crucial not to attempt to break the shell before roasting. When processing cashew nuts at home, it’s essential to wear gloves and safety glasses and take special care to avoid any contact with the shell.
You can Grow Peanuts too? Learn here
Processing and Roasting
- First, the cashews must be washed and inspected for quality. Once they have been inspected, they should be spread out on a baking sheet to dry.
- After they have dried, they can be roasted in a pan or in the oven at 350-400 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-15 minutes. Once roasted, the nuts can be cooled and stored in an airtight container.
- The roasting process helps to bring out the flavor of the cashews and gives them a crunchy texture. It also helps to preserve the nuts for longer periods of time. Additionally, it helps to reduce any bitterness or astringency in the flavor of the nuts.
- When roasting, it is important to keep an eye on the nuts as they can burn quickly. It is also important to avoid over-roasting, as this can give the nuts a bitter flavor.
- Once the nuts are roasted, they are cooled completely before being stored in an airtight container.
