Cashew Fruits, Nuts, Juice, Health Benefits, Recipe & More

Cashew fruits or cashew apples are the fleshy part of the cashew fruits joined to the cashew nut. The main product from the cashew tree is cashew nut (true fruit).

The top end of the cashew apple is joined to the stem that comes off the tree.

The bottom end of the cashew fruit attaches to the cashew nut, which is covered in a shell.

According to a research carried out by R. Bhakyaraj and K. Singaravadive,

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a tropical tree native of Brazil and is being extensively grown in India, East Africa and Vietnam (Muniz et al., 2006).

In other words, the cashew tree is a tropical standard tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew fruit.

The true fruit of the cashew tree is a kidney– or boxing-glove–shaped drupe that grows at the end of the cashew apple.

The drupe first grows on the tree, and then the pedicel enlarges to become the cashew apple.

The true fruit contains a single seed, which is often known as the cashew nut.

The cashew apple color varied from bright red, yellow, or orange with a soft and fibrous fleshy.

The nuts are more widely traded than cashew apples, because the apple, unlike the nut, is easily bruised and has a very limited shelf life.

Cashew apples ferment and become utterly useless within 24 hours of harvesting, therefore pickers have to work fast

Cashew Fruits Nutrition

the fruit contains about 21 percent protein, 46 percent fat, and 25 percent carbohydrates. A one-quarter cup serving contains about 200 calories, 5 grams of protein, 9 grams of carbs, and 16 grams of fat.

Cashews are a good foundation for different types of vitamins, minerals and other vital nutrients that encourages human well being, and as such offer lots of health benefits.

The Health Benefits of Cashew

Studies have shown that cashew fruit is one of the most nutritious fruits in the world.

The cashew fruit is a powerhouse of protein and minerals that include copper, calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Further studies also show that cashew nuts contain vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamin), vitamin B2(riboflavin), vitamin B3 (niacin), vitamin B6, folate, vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol), and vitamin K.

Fertility Nutrition

This could be the main reason why men should eat cashew nuts because the nut is rich in zinc. This mineral is very important to maintain in the body if you want to boost your fertility. This happens to the woman too, not only men.

It is, however, vital to note that cashew fruit juice is now popping up in herbal formulas designed to boost energy and sexual function.

Eating nuts is good for men not only because it increases fertility, but also because it helps to maintain good sex life by generating erections.

Nitric oxide is responsible to generate erections and this compound requires the amino acid arginine found in cashew nuts.

It been shown in studies that foods containing arginine help men having better performance in sex.

Other Unique Health Benefits Cashew Offers Include;

• Promoting Healthy Brain – Keeps the Brain Healthy and enhances its functionality. There are numerous nutrients in cashews good for the brain function, especially the fatty acids
• Improve Heart Functioning
• Good for Preventing Cancer
• Prevent Gallstones in the body
• Treats Obesity and Helps in Weight Loss
• Helps blood flow
• Enhances Eye Health and Vision Clarity
• Keeps the Blood Healthy
• Helps treatment of Diabetes
• Catalyst for Digestion
• Keeps the skin fresh and healthy
• Strengthen and tones Bones
• Keeps the Hair Shiny
• Keeps the Teeth and Gums healthy

Side Effects/Disadvantages of Cashew Nut

Except for coconut, all nuts are “suspect” on the Bulletproof Diet to some extent.

Nuts contain a high risk of mold contamination and have high levels of omega-6 fats that oxidize easily and can contribute to inflammation.

Nuts also contain varying levels of lectins, nutrient-sapping compounds that can also be tough on your gut.

If you’re having trouble losing weight or suffer from headaches, joint pain, or other autoimmune symptoms, tries removing nuts from your diet completely.

You can try reintroducing them once symptoms subside.

Cashews are rich in oxalate salts which interfere with the absorption of calcium in the body. The excess of calcium unabsorbed can result in formation of kidney stones.

Cashew allergy can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort in the form of coughing, cramping, vomiting, nausea, pain, and diarrhea.

Though one of the most serious cashew reactions is Anaphylaxis which is a quick reaction that takes over the entire body if not cautious. It can lead to noisy breathing, swelling of throat and tongue and paleness.

Another one is acne, especially for oily skin.

Uses of Cashews

1. For baking and also while cooking savory meals.
2. You can squash and add them to various vegetarian and non-vegetarian foods or you can roast, eat them  raw or with salt.
3. The cashew/cassius /keshu/caju nut shell liquid is often useful in preparing paints, drugs, anti-termite treatment for timber, resins, and plastics.
4. The liquid has an antibiotic effect and serves as a medicine in treating ringworm, sore tooth, warts, elephantiasis, and scurvy.
5. Cashew oil is oil that is extracted from cashew seed which can also be useful in treating cracked heels.
6. When you crush the seeds to a powdered form, you can  use it in cooking and treating snake bites because of antivenom effect in it.
7. Cashew leaves and barks are good in treating diarrhea and colic. The leaf also helps in lowering blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
8. The bark contains astringent properties good for ulcer treatment, influenza, and sore throat.
9. Cashew apples which are also cashew fruits have anti-bacterial uses and can also be useful in treating gastritis and ulcers in the stomach.
10. Cashew fruit juice is high in vitamin C which can be useful in preventing scurvy. It can also be useful when treat thrush in infants and when a tea is made with the juice, it can aid in treating dysentery.

How Many Cashew fruits to Eat in a Day

Eating of cashew depends on age, sex, and medical conditions.

Although it contains a whole lot of health benefits, when taken in excess it can result in serious health problems.

Therefore, nutritional benefits can be gotten when it is been taken moderately.

Consuming 5 to 10 in numbers a day is good. Also, note that a high intake of this fruit can lead to weight gain.

How Are Cashews Harvested

You can find this fruit in tropical and warmer subtropical climates. When the fruit is bright in color they are ready to harvest. They tend to fall from the tree with just a shake.

Remove the seeds using a twisting method.

How to Roast Cashew Nuts Locally and Why It Is Expensive

1. Firstly, allow the seeds to sun dry for 2-3 days to reduce moister.
2. Then, add them to an Aluminum deep pot and start your fire. The Cashew inside will release from the shell with the heat.
3. Thirdly, stir cashews often with a long spoon or branch

Tip: The Cashew Nut is full of iron already, so the aluminum Pot / deep containers is best for this process. You can drill into your “Aluminum deep container /cooking Pot” so they can catch fire quickly.

4. Fourthly, as you stir the shell releases this Bio fuel that rages when lit. The flame is very strong so be careful.
5. The smoke will become intense when they are about to ignite.
6. After that, the flame will enrage so have your sand ready to put out the fire. The roasting time is around 10 min. Continue to stir the seeds while roasting.
7. Then, put off the fire when the nuts are ready using the sand to stop the cooking process.
8. Lastly, allow cooling. Then, technically remove the nut with a mallet. It takes practice to master.

Add salt if you desire. A mist of water over the warm Cashew Nuts will help the salt stick better.

These roasted Nuts took time to roast and a bit risky. Now you can imagine why they cost so much.

What better ways to enjoy roasted cashew nut order than with Marañon (Marañon is the Salvadorian name for the cashew fruit) Juice.

Cashew Fruit Juice

The Cashew Fruit is a common refreshing drink in Jamaica, which tastes like a cross between orange and mango.  Also known as Cashew Apple juice, the fruit has more vitamin C than an orange.

Cashew Fruit Juice Recipe

1. Firstly, twisted the seeds off from the Cashew Apple rinse and wash the fruits very well.
2. Then, cut the fruits into cubes.
3. After that, put the fruit in a blender and add sugar (optional) and water, then blend well.
4. Lastly, sieve using a fine strainer. Discard the fiber left in the strainer.

Add ice to your cashew fresh juice and enjoy it!

Note: This fruit will stain any clothing so be careful not to get it on you.

Cashew Recipe: Cashew Chicken 

Cashew Chicken is a Chinese classic that contains Chicken pieces, fresh veggies and crunchy cashews all coated with an addictive sauce.

Skip takeout and make your restaurant-quality meal at home that’s easy, ready in 20 minutes, and healthier!!

Ingredients

• 4 half breast boneless skinless chicken
• 2 cubes Maggi (bouillon cube)
• One tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• ¼ cup roasted Cashew nut
• ½ tsp. Dried parsley or rosemary
• 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
• ½ green and red peppers (finely chopped) (optional)

Direction

1. Firstly, cut the chicken into one-inch cubes, season with Maggi, salt, black pepper, and rosemary. Put aside for 25 mins.
2. Place a medium-size sauté pan (or a large pot with depth) on medium heat.
3. Add in the oil, then the chicken once the oil is hot. Cook the chicken for 5 mins on low heat. Then similarly, cook the other side.
4. Lastly, add in pepper and the roasted cashew nut. Stir. Your chicken is ready to serve.

Serve on rice or as a main dish with fresh vegetables.

Summary

Even though cashews are a good source of vitamins and quite refreshing, consumption should be in moderation to avoid allergies for some individuals.

The cashew nut has vital nutrients that are beneficial to the general well-being which you can roast and serve as snacks.

Cashew fruits are highly nutritious and can be put in your salads, soups or as a breakfast cereal for a rich and delicious twist to your everyday meal.

It contains Vitamins B1, B2, B3, and vitamin C which promote normal body functions and development as well as calcium, iron, beta-carotene and others.

Cashews are highly rich in monounsaturated fats and essential minerals offering a wide range of health benefits. Its high levels of oleic also aids greatly in promoting cardiovascular health.