![]() One unusual characteristic of the species is that the seed develops before the apple. The true fruit is the shell that contains the cashew seed attached to the end of the fleshy receptacle. In Asia, apple-inspired curry dishes, veggie stir-fries, desserts, vinegar, and chutneys are among some of these fruits' delectable culinary creations. Cashew apples are known as an 'accessory' or 'false' fruit, meaning they are not botanically a true fruit as they do not encase the seeds of the plant. In Latin America, cashew apples are usually made into juice, wine, jams, salads, and other tasty treats ( empanadas, anyone?). It is rich in sugars and ascorbic acid, but its high polyphenol content makes it bitter and astringent, and therefore difficult to commercialize. Cashew apple juice (CAJ), a highly nutritious beverage, can be produced from them. Today, cashew trees are found globally across most warmer regions, with India and Vietnam leading the world's cashew production.Ĭashew fruits and their ancestral health applications have been diverse depending on culture, availability, and overall culinary tradition. Cashew apples are by-products in the production of cashew nuts, which are mostly left to rot in the fields. Their introduction to coastal India and Mozambique began in the 16th century, thanks to Portuguese seed traders, and eventually expanded farther into Asia and Africa. Thus, the actual drupe or peduncle is the kidney-shaped shell enclosing the edible cashew nut, which you'll find at the end of the apple.Ĭashew trees are native to Brazil's and Venezuela's tropical zones and have been growing wild since ancient times. Botanically speaking, cashew apples are so-called accessory fruits because they grow after cashew seeds have fully developed. The cashew apple-or the plump part of the cashew fruit, connected to the cashew nut-looks like a mini, oval-shaped boxing glove. ![]() Although technically a seed, cashew nuts are the most popular part of the tree-beloved for their creamy texture, high-fat content, and nutrient-rich profile.ĭespite the nuts' dietary praise, their apples (or pseudo fruits) remain mostly out of the spotlight. Cajú, alcayoiba, anacardo, cajuil, Indian nut, marañón, pepa, or merey are some of the most common global names associated with cashews.
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