Cashews are small pear or oval-shaped accessory fruit that grows from the receptacle of cashew flower. The cashew tree is a native to north eastern Brazil and flourishes in extreme heat in the tropical region or near the equator. The tree is about 30 feet tall and the limbs of the tree are known to strike the ground and spread easily.
The delightful cashew nuts are derived from the crab apple that grows on the tree and is loved by people all around the world. The cashew tree is closely related to the family of mango and pistachio.
The kidney shaped nut is borne as an appendage on the end of the cashew apple. The apple resembles the pear fruit and like all fruit bearing trees, the nut grows from the centre of a flower that emerges in the plant.
In order to yield the nuts, the cashew apple is allowed to fall on the ground, when ripe and then the nut is separated from it by the natives. The cashew usually hangs like a nose on one end of the fruit. The shell of the cashew nut is about 1-1.5 inches long. Basically the cashew nut has two shells; the testa and the exterior shell.
The Brazilian cashew is the most sought after. Cashews are essentially produced by the developing nations but usually it is a product loved and enjoyed by the wealthy nations. Some are even sweeter and rich in taste.
Cashews are also grown in countries like India and Vietnam. The nuts grown in India are smaller in size and crisp. Some are even sweet in taste while some may also be extremely bland. Cashews in India are usually ivory colored and savored by a good number of people both in and out of the country. On the other hand, cashews grown in Vietnam are extremely sweet in taste. In the last few years, even China has started growing cashews. Cashew plantations in India are transplanted into crops.
The deftly flavored cashew nut is available in the market throughout the year and is liked by people of all age groups. Cashew nuts are also used to garnish salads and stir fry foods. It also makes for tasty nut butter and is also an essential part of many sweet dishes.
Cashews are rich in monounsaturated fats and copper and are a good source phosphorous and magnesium as well.
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Heart Healthy Walnuts & Almonds
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Almonds, also referred to as gourmet nut, are among the most nutritious tree nuts. They are classified as fruits and form a part of the stone fruit family. Almonds are rich in proteins, fiber, calcium, magnesium, potassium, vitamin E and other antioxidants and phytochemicals.
Almonds have many benefits for heart. They have a high protein content and hence they are very suitable for nourishment of skin and hair. The cholesterol level of a person can be reduced by 14% with regular consumption of almonds due to the presence of monounsaturated and some polyunsaturated fats. Over eating can be avoided by munching almonds before meals. They are also known to help in the prevention of colon cancer. Almonds have uncountable benefits for health, here some of them have been mentioned.
Walnuts trees are deciduous trees that are very hardy against drought. They are considered as a herb in traditional Chinese medicine. The nuts are rich in oil content and are widely eaten, both fresh and cooked. Walnut oil is expensive and consequently is used sparingly. Walnuts hav low content of saturated fat and are high in both polyunsaturated and mono-unsaturated fat.
They are an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, especially when they are bought in their shells and eaten fresh. Walnuts are rich protein, vitamin B1, B6, folate and vitamin E. Green and unripe walnuts are a good source of vitamin C. Regular intake of walnuts or almonds helps to reduce bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood. They help to tonify kidneys, strengthen the back and knees. It is believed to stop asthma, but not acute asthma. It is also used by the elderly to relieve constipation. Walnuts decrease inflammation and reduce levels of substances that promote clogged arteries. Thus, intake of almonds and walnuts is beneficial for heart and their regular consumption will ensure a healthy life.
