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where do cashews come from ?

### Where Do Cashews Come From?

Cashews are a popular and versatile ingredient in many cuisines around the world. Whether they’re sprinkled on a salad, used in Thai curries, or as a delicious snack, cashews are a favorite in many households. But have you ever wondered where these little golden jewels come from? Let’s dive into the fascinating journey of how cashews make it from the tree to your kitchen.

#### Cashews Are Not Nuts (But You Can Still Call Them That!)

First off, a fun fact for those who think cashews come from the ground or a bush: they actually come from trees. More specifically, they come from the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). But here’s a twist: cashews are not actually classified as nuts botanically. They’re seeds that grow from a fruit called the “cashew apple.” This might sound bizarre, but you’re not alone in being surprised. Most cashews that appear in the market are just the seeds of these apples.

#### The Long, Fleshy Cashew Fruit

Let’s talk about the cashew apple. It’s big and bell-shaped, resembling a large green pepper. Inside this fruit is a seed—our beloved cashew. Each apple yields just one nut, and collecting them requires manual labor. Harvesting cashews is a delicate process. After being picked from the tree, cashew apples are taken to be processed right away since they can deteriorate and attract pests.

#### Processing the Cashew Nut

Processing cashews is not as simple as harvesting them from the tree. The real work starts after. First, the cashew apples are often squeezed to extract a sweet juice, which can be drunk or converted into vinegar or liquor. The nut, which is attached to the bottom of the apple, then goes through a drying process in the sun.

Here’s where things get tricky. The outer layer surrounding the cashew contains a caustic fluid that must be removed before the nut can be shelled. This liquid is flammable and dangerous if not handled properly. In some places, water is used to wash away this fluid, while in other regions, it’s roasted to evaporate the harmful chemicals. After roasting, the nut is ready to be shelled. This is another manual process, making cashews one of the most labor-intensive nuts to produce.

#### Cashew Growing Countries

The cashew tree originated in the tropics of Brazil. However, today, the majority of commercial cashew production occurs in Africa and Asia. Places like Tanzania, India, Nigeria, and Vietnam are leaders in worldwide cashew production. India and Vietnam together account for around 60% of the global cashew exports. In these countries, cashew trees are widely cultivated and their nuts are highly valued not only for consumption but also for their nutritional benefits.

#### From Tree to Table

The journey from the tree to your kitchen involves harvesting, extracting, washing, drying, roasting, and shelling. After all these steps, the cashes are ready to be packaged and shipped all around the world. From the streets of New York City to the bustling markets of India, cashews are consumed in a variety of ways. They’re enjoyed as snacks, added to desserts, curries, and more.

#### Cashews in Different Parts of the World

Cashews are a component of traditional dishes in many cultures. In Venezuela, for example, cashews are called “marañón” and play a key role in recipes. In India, cashews are used to prepare creamy dishes like cashew chicken and cashew butter. Thai and Chinese cuisines also heavily rely on cashews for their flavorful dishes. Each region has found unique ways to integrate cashews into their culinary traditions, reflecting the global appeal of this delicious nut.

#### Conclusion

The next time you grab a handful of cashews, remember the journey they took to get to your kitchen. From the tropical climates of Africa, Asia, and South America, through the intricate processes of harvesting, drying, roasting, and shelling, cashews truly embody the labor of farmers and processors worldwide. So, the next time you enjoy a bowl of cashew yogurt or a savory cashew chicken dish, you can appreciate the story behind these tasty morsels. Cashews might not be a nut in the botanical sense, but their impact on global cuisine and economies is undeniable.

Cashews are a testament to the rich diversity of our global food system, connecting us to far-flung corners of the world through a single, crunchy seed. So, here’s to the cashew—wherever it took you from the tree to your plate.