The cashew nut is native of North-East Brazil. During the 16th century, the Portuguese introduced it into India and Portuguese colonies in Africa such as Mozambique. As with other nuts, cashews are healthy and packed with minerals and nutrients such as phosphorous, copper, and magnesium, not commonly found in other foods. Almost 80% of the fat in cashews is unsaturated, which helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
Vietnam, India, Brazil, West-Africa, East-Africa
Wholes, broken, roasted, flour
Vacuum boxes, big bags
From India, cashew trees spread all over South-east Asia. The tree grows in tropical areas. Cashew is cultivated primarily in India, Vietnam, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Tanzania, Benin, Brazil, and other countries in East and West Central Africa and South East Asia. Cashew trees are evergreen and can grow rapidly up to 20 m, but usually reach 8-12 m height.
Flowering takes place from December to April in the Northern hemisphere, and from June to December in the Southern hemisphere, with a higher concentration from September to November. Countries north of the equator, including India, Vietnam, and West Africa, start harvesting early in the calendar year until approximately mid-year. Countries south of the equator, including Brazil and East Africa, harvest from September or October to early in the following calendar year.
Used as snack- Raw cashew nuts- Nut and dried fruit mixtures- Chocolate-coated cashew nuts- Roasted and salted cashew nuts - Flavored cashew nutsUsed in bakery and confectionery- Ice cream- Bakery (cookies/cakes)- Confectionary- SweetsOther uses- Health drink- Ready to cook/eat- Dairy alternative- Cereals