@lucasleo
Cashew nuts are a popular and nutritious food with a fascinating history. Here's a breakdown of key information:
Origin and History:
* Native to Brazil:
* Cashews originate from northeastern Brazil.
* Indigenous people there used them for food, medicine, and other purposes.
* Spread by the Portuguese:
* In the 16th century, Portuguese explorers took cashew trees to India and Africa.
* This global distribution led to cashews becoming a significant crop in various regions.
* Global Spread:
* From India and Africa, cashews spread to Southeast Asia and other parts of the world.
Characteristics and Uses:
* The Cashew Tree:
* The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen.
* It produces both the cashew nut and the cashew apple.
* The Cashew Nut:
* The "nut" is actually a seed that grows at the end of the cashew apple.
* It's known for its distinctive kidney shape and rich, buttery flavor.