Cashew

Cashew is an edible nut-like fruit that grows on an evergreen tree of the Sumach family. ^[1]. This product has an exquisite sweetish-creamy taste, which is why it is widely used in cooking.

Interestingly, this is the only nut in the world that ripens outside the fruit. But without fail, cashews undergo heat treatment, since cardol (caustic compound) is contained between the shell and the shell, where it is located. In contact with the skin, the substance causes dermatological problems (blister burns) ^[1].

However, cashews are a source of nutrients: monounsaturated fats, phytosterols, vitamins, mineral salts, esters and carboxylic acids. ^[2]. With regular use (30 g per day), the fruits improve lipid metabolism, increase female libido, strengthen the heart muscle, accelerate the production of sex hormones, and stabilize the psycho-emotional background ^[3].

Botanical description

The cashew nut grows on a tropical evergreen tree called “Western Anacardium”. Other names for the plant are “kazhu”, “kazhu” and “Indian walnut”. Its average height varies from 12 to 15 m, although in the wild it can reach up to 30 m. The trees are characterized by a lush spreading crown that leans low to the ground. Interestingly, the branches of some types of anacardium (in particular “Pirangi”) are able to “take root” when they are close to moist soil. At the same time, not far from the “mother” culture, new sprouts appear, giving young shoots. ^[1][4].

Cashew leaves are dense, elliptical, painted in a bright green hue. The length of the plates is 4-20 cm, the width is 2-12 cm ^[1][4].

The culture blooms from 1 to 3 times a year, depending on the variety and growing conditions. The corollas of the anacardium are yellowish-pink, consisting of five pointed petals (7-15 cm long). In place of fading flowers, edible ovaries appear, called “cashew apples”. They are bright yellow or orange-red. The pulp of “cashew apples” is juicy fleshy with an aromatic sweet and sour astringent taste. In tropical countries, compotes, jams, smoothies, jellies and juices are prepared on their basis. However, these ovaries are “pseudo-fruits”, since they are an overgrown receptacle. The true acajou nuts are located at the very end of the stalk. From above they are covered with a green shell containing phenolic resin, and inside – with a dense rough shell, under which an edible core is hidden. The average weight of one nut is 1,5 g. The yield of this crop is 780 kg per 1 ha ^[1][4].

The natural habitat of the acajou is Brazil. Along with this, the plant is cultivated in more than 30 tropical countries of the world: South America, West Africa, Southeast Asia. The largest exporters of the product: Vietnam, India, Malaysia, Nigeria, Brazil, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Azerbaijan ^[1][4].

Chemical composition

Cashew is a high-calorie product with a nutritional value of 553 kcal. The energy ratio B:W:U is 12% : 73% : 15% ^[2].

Cashew fruits have tonic, antibacterial and antiseptic properties. They are used to treat metabolic disorders, dystrophy, psoriasis and anemia. ^[5].

Cashew fruit bodies include esters, tannins, phenolic resins, terpenes, carboxylic acids ^[2][6].

Interestingly, in Africa, walnut is used as a means for tattooing, Mexico – bleaching freckles, in Haiti – removing warts, Venezuela – treating wounds, Peru – throat treatment, Brazil – increasing potency, fighting diarrhea, diabetes and asthma.

Useful Properties

Given that more than 70% of the lipid composition of cashews is made up of unsaturated fatty acids, they are excellent suppliers of “fuel” to the human body. In addition, they support the vital activity of cells, increase the level of skin hydration, normalize cholesterol metabolism, participate in the construction of enzymes and hormones, and protect internal organs from mechanical injuries. Along with this, the usefulness of nuts is due to the rich amino acid and vitamin-mineral composition. ^[3][7][8].

Effects of Cashew Fruit Consumption:

1. They improve the functional state of the brain, increase mental performance, stress resistance.
2. Accelerate the healing of erosions, ulcers and open wounds.
3. Reduce body temperature (acting as a refrigerant).
4. Strengthen the heart muscle.
5. Normalize lipid metabolism, accelerate metabolic processes.
6. Improve blood rheology.
7. Activate energy exchange in tissues.
8. Accelerate the excretion of excess fluid from the body.
9. Promote weight loss (due to the stimulation of fat burning).
10. Reduce bleeding gums, strengthen tooth enamel.
11. Stimulate the production of hormones and digestive enzymes.
12. Increase vitality.
13. Reduce the permeability of the capillary wall.
14. Stimulate the utilization of metabolic products, natural antiviral immunity, block the reproduction of pathogenic bacteria.
15. Contribute to the proper formation of fecal masses.
16. Improve the appearance of nails and hair, eliminate acne.

Along with this, cashews have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, hypotensive, astringent, tonic and antiseptic effects. ^[3][7][8].

It is advisable to consume Indian walnut for hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus, anemia, hypertension, bronchitis, psoriasis, depression, influenza, anxiety, dystrophy, stress, toothache, hypercholesterolemia. The optimal daily dose is 30 grams ^[3][7][8].

However, despite the usefulness of the product, there are contraindications to its consumption.

Reception of cashews is limited to:

• kidney stones or bladder;
• pancreatitis;
• stomach ulcer;
• obesity;
• migraines;
• susceptibility to allergic reactions.

In addition, fresh fruits contain phenolic resin, which is toxic to the human body. Therefore, when visiting tropical countries, you should not pick fruits from a tree or try to extract nuts from a shell. Skin contact with any parts of a fresh plant, including bark and leaves, may cause allergic reactions (dermatitis, laryngeal edema, asthma attacks) ^[1].

Remember, the consumption of fresh cashew nuts is fraught with severe poisoning, and in severe cases, death. In this regard, only purchased peeled fruits that have undergone a special heat treatment cycle (in production) are eaten. ^[9].

Used in cosmetics

To maintain beauty, cashew kernel oil obtained by cold pressing is used. It is great for dry, combination and problem skin. ^[10][11].

Effects of the use of nut concentrate:

1. It accelerates the healing of wounds and microcracks in the skin.
2. Dries acne.
3. Smoothes a network of fine wrinkles.
4. Protects the dermis from adverse environmental factors (sun, wind, frost).
5. Eliminates peeling, irritation and burns of the skin.
6. Improves complexion.
7. Stimulates hair growth.
8. Reduces fragility of nail plates.
9. Increases the elasticity of rough feet, softens corns and calluses ^[10][11].

Cashew fruit concentrate is used both in pure form and in combination with fatty or essential oils. In addition, massage mixtures, nourishing masks, emollient creams, antifungal agents, anti-inflammatory compounds, anti-aging emulsions and regenerating balms are created on its basis. ^[10][11].

Recipes

Nourishing hair mask

To prepare the composition will need: 100 ml of soap base (shampoo, conditioner, balm) and 10 ml of cashew oil. The resulting mixture is applied to the washed head (wet), slightly massaging the hairy cover. The mask is kept on the head no more than 15 minutes. With regular use of the composition, the lipid balance of the skin is normalized and the hair follicles are strengthened.

Hand softener

A nutritional extract can be used both in pure form and in combination with transport oils (olive, jojoba, peach seed, wheat germ). To strengthen the nail roller and eliminate peeling, the mixture is applied to moist skin at least 2 once a day.

Relaxing body bath

To eliminate insomnia, nervousness and fatigue, mix 2 drops of geranium, chamomile and lavender ether with 15 ml of cashew oil (refractory). This mixture is poured into a warm liquid (38 degrees), after which the water is thoroughly mixed by hand. The duration of taking a therapeutic bath is 10-15 minutes.

Anti-inflammatory face masks

For the “fight” with problem skin (acne, peeling, acne), 10 ml of cashew and jojoba oils are mixed together. Then, a drop of camphor and eucalyptus ether is added to this mixture. In the resulting composition, the cloth is moistened and applied to 15 minutes on the problem skin.

Remember, before the procedure, the dermis should be thoroughly washed with a cleansing agent.

After sunburn burn mixture

Combine 15 ml of nut fat with 2 drops of rose or lavender essential oil. The resulting tool to lubricate the affected areas of the body four times a day.

In addition, cashew oil is used to treat warts, blisters, psoriasis and eczema (in combination with lavender esters, lemon balm and tea tree)

Cultivation at home

Despite the fact that anacardiums are tropical plants, they are successfully cultivated in the mid-latitude zone. At the same time, it is easy to create a comfortable microclimate for a tree at home. ^[12].

Seed preparation

For planting plants, it is better to use purchased material from trusted manufacturers. Before germination, the seeds are kept for two days in warm water. Given that unpeeled nuts contain toxic substances, after 7-10 hours the liquid acquires an inky blue color. To remove harmful toxins, you should change the source water at least 2 times a day. ^[13].

When working with seeds, it is important to wear rubber gloves, since the contact of the poison with the skin produces a painful burn.

Substrate Preparation

To ensure good germination of seeds, loose soil saturated with minerals is used. The optimal volume of containers is 1 liter. In this case, the pallets are pre-filled with pebbles (to maintain a constant level of humidity) ^[13].

Planting seeds

The soaked cashew fruits are alternately placed in the prepared substrate (one per pot). After that, the containers are exposed to a well-lit place. After 20 days, the seedlings give the first sprouts ^[13].

Care of seedlings

For the formation of a full-fledged plant, it is important to maintain a high humidity of the root layer of the soil, as well as 2 once a day to spray the ground part of the seedling and pour water into pallets with pebbles. To give the tree a beautiful shape in the first year of “life”, it is pruned. The young plant is fed 6 months after planting with universal fertilizers for fruit bearing crops (once in 30 days).

With proper care, anacardiums bloom for 3-4 years of life. However, in order to obtain fruit ovaries, sometimes one should resort to artificial pollination. ^[13].

Use in the food industry

For culinary purposes, these fruits are used as “pseudo-fruits” and seeds of the nut plant. Considering that “cashew apples” are a perishable product, it is possible to eat them only in tropical countries where the culture grows. Fragrant jams, preserves, juices, compotes, jellies and spirits are prepared from fresh “pseudo-fruits”. For example, in India, you can try the famous Fenny liqueur, made from the fermented nectar of acajou apples. ^[14]. In America, this is the Cajuina drink, created on the basis of freshly squeezed juice. ^[15].

However, Anacardium gained real popularity thanks to its nutritious and appetizing seeds. True cashew fruits have a pleasant sweetish taste with subtle notes of butter. Therefore, cashews go well with confectionery, desserts, pastries, fruit salads, sour-milk drinks and fish dishes. In addition, in Asian countries, they are added to vegetable side dishes, boiled rice and curry sauces. And to enhance the flavor, the product is fried in olive or butter.

Interestingly, acajou seeds contain less fat than the kernels of walnuts, peanuts, almonds, or pecans. In view of this, cashews are used in a vegetarian menu as a vegetable source of protein. ^[2].

When choosing fruits, it is better to give preference to whole kernels of a light shade. At room temperature, fresh nuts will last up to 1 month (in an airtight container). In the refrigerator, the shelf life of raw materials increases to 6 months, and in the freezer up to 1 year ^[16].

Also, refractory oil is obtained from the fruits of the anacardium, which is excellent for frying, stewing and baking (due to the high concentration of monounsaturated acids).

Recipes

Superfast dessert “Snowballs”

Ingredients:

• cottage cheese (5 or 9%) – 250 g;
• cashew kernels – 150 g;
• sugar – 100 g;
• grapes (fresh) – 100 g;
• vanilla – 5 mg.

Preparation Scheme:

1. Grind the curd with sugar.
2. Combine the resulting mixture with sour cream, vanilla and cinnamon.
3. Place the curd mass on 20 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Grind nuts with a blender or food processor.
5. Form “balls” from the curd mass, placing a pre-washed grape inside each. After that, the cookies are rolled in nut crumbs.
6. Remove the dessert on 5 minutes in the fridge.

Before serving, the dessert is poured with cranberry or strawberry jam.

Energy Bars

Components:

• dates – 300 g;
• cashew nuts – 250 g;
• oatmeal (extra) – 150 g;
• apple – 1 pcs;
• maple syrup – 70 ml;
• cinnamon (ground) – 3 g.

The principle of creating dishes:

1. Crush the ingredients: chop up the dates and cashews, grate the apple.
2. Combine the nut-fruit mix with oatmeal, cinnamon and maple syrup. Leave the mass on 15 minutes.
3. Grease the baking dish with butter.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking sheet, smooth with hands.
5. Cover with a lot of parchment paper and put in the oven (for 30 minutes).
6. Cut ready-made bars into portions.

Dessert is served to the table directly from the refrigerator (to preserve the solid structure).

Coconut Paradise Candy

Components:

• cashew kernels – 200 g;
• condensed milk – 200 ml;
• coconut chips – 125 g;
• butter – 30 g;
• vanilla sugar – 30 g.

Method of preparation:

1. Massage butter and condensed milk on low heat for 10 minutes.
2. Grind half the nuts with a blender.
3. Add to the sweet mixture of coconut, cashew and vanilla.
4. Put the mass on 50 minutes in the refrigerator.
5. Form balls of nougat from the cooled down by placing a whole nut inside each.
6. Roll candy in coconut chips.

Sweet dessert served with lemon or lime tea.

Conclusion

Cashew – walnut fruit that grows mainly in tropical countries (Brazil, Malaysia, Nigeria, Vietnam). This product is appreciated by gourmets of the whole world for its characteristic sweetish taste and refined creamy aroma. It goes well with fruit salads, pastries, sour-milk drinks, cottage cheese and chocolate desserts.

Cashew fruits produce refractory oil, which is used for culinary, medical and industrial purposes. In addition to excellent gastronomic qualities, nuts have a healing effect on the human body. Nutritional fruits improve cholesterol metabolism, increase mood, accelerate the production of sex hormones, strengthen heart muscle, increase libido, activate energy exchange in tissues, normalize water-salt metabolism. In addition, cashews have antiseptic, diuretic, astringent, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antidepressant, and analgesic properties. Along with this, cashew seed oil is actively used in cosmetology for the care of problem and fading skin.

Remember, fresh fruits contain a poisonous toxin, which, when in contact with the skin, causes severe inflammation. Therefore, in order to avoid health problems, only purchased fruits that have undergone a special heat treatment cycle should be consumed. The recommended daily allowance is 30 cashew nuts.

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