Cashew: one tree, two very different products

Path across the ocean

The FAO attributes the spread of Brazilian cashews in Africa and India to the Portuguese. In some places the tree was used to stabilize the soil, and over time the core became the main economic interest. This sequence shows that a culture can change its purpose after being transferred. The history of its appearance in the country differs from the history of the development of local processing and trade.

What is an apple called?

The juicy red or yellow formation under the nut is called a cashew apple. In the botanical description FAO it is the overgrown part of the stalk; the nut itself with the kernel is located outside. The soft part is used, for example, for local drinks and preparations. Therefore, the familiar word “cashew” in a kitchen story sometimes refers to a product that is completely different from the dry kernel from the package.

Processing determines the finished product

The cashew shell contains a caustic liquid, which is also used in industry. Removing the food core requires appropriate processing and separation of the shell. This part of the story explains why getting to know the plant cannot be reduced to cracking any fresh fruit at home. The food core, juicy apple and shell substances have different purposes and undergo different uses.

Country of cultivation and country of processing

FAO's review of Indian manufacturing describes the processing of both domestic and imported raw materials. This is a historical example of how the economic chain crosses borders. To read the label, a simple question follows: is the manufacturer indicated or exactly the country of harvest? Both information is useful, but answers different questions and does not have to be the same for every product.

Sources

• Cashew nut nutritional aspects — Introduction — FAO · B. K. Nandi
• Minor oil crops: Cashew nut — FAO
• Integrated production practices of cashew in India — FAO · E. V. V. Bhaskara Rao