cashew

The Greek word anakárdion came to low latin as anacardus. That is the closest etymological antecedent of cashew, end of our tongue which refers to different species of tropical trees.

According to the dictionary of the Royal Spanish Academy (RAE), these trees share characteristics such as having edible fruit and small flowers. It is also frequent that they are used in medicinal matters. It is interesting to note that the fruit of these specimens is also called cashew specifically.

The Anacardium occidentale species is often known as the cashew.

The Anacardium occidentale

It is usually called a cashew species scientific name Anacardium occidentale. Other colloquial names for this tree are cashew, cayú, cashew, cashews, caguil, cashew, merey, pepa and cashew.

The French Naturalist André Thevet (1516-1590) was the one who baptized this plant What anacardium (cashew) by the shape of its fruit, similar to a turned heart (Ana can be translated as "upwards" and cardium, What "heart").

Cashew, on the other hand, is a word that comes from the Tupi languages, more precisely from acaiú or cashew, which refers to that which produces nuts. The European conquerors, upon reaching the current territory of Brazil, were surprised by the nutritional properties presented by the fruits of this tree.

It is important to mention that the cashew is native to South America and of Central America. It would have been the Portuguese who, after meeting the species in the American continent, brought their seeds to India, from where the expansion occurred.

The seeds or nuts of the cashew nut are consumed in different ways.

Cashew characteristics

The cashew can measure up to about ten meters in height. It has an irregular trunk, alternate leaves and yellowish or greenish flowers.

Regarding the fruit, one can distinguish between the seed or nut (the fruit itself) and the pseudo fruit. The real fruit, which contains the seed, has the appearance of a kidney and stands out for its hardness.

Uses of the different parts of the tree

The parts of the cashew are used in different ways. The wood serves to produce tool handles, while the Cortex It is used in the tanning of skins and is intended for medicinal uses since it is attributed properties for the treatment of bleeding, infections and stomach problems.

The trunkOn the other hand, it secretes a resin that is used as a rubber. Anyway, the fruit is the most widely used component: it is used to produce drinks, jellies, jams and, if it is ripe, it is even eaten fresh.

It is common for the cashew seed or nut to be subjected to a drying processing. Thus the neutralization of certain compounds that are irritating is achieved. In addition, the extraction of the shell is facilitated. The dried fruit is recognized for its flavor and its texture.

Cashew properties

Cashew nuts contain zinc, iron, magnesium, various vitamins, carbohydrates, and amino acids. That is why its inclusion in the diet it is usually positive.

By having antioxidants, the cashew helps prevent premature aging. Oleic acid, on the other hand, contributes to good cardiovascular function.

Strengthen the immune system, bones and hair It is another benefit derived from the consumption of cashew nuts.