Journey of taste: Portuguese sailors brought cashew tree to India, interesting history is associated with this dry fruit

Swad Ka Safarnama: Among all the dry fruits found in the world, the taste of cashew is priceless. It is full of properties and it is believed that its consumption reduces the bad cholesterol present in the body. Eating cashew also keeps the brain healthy. Its use also keeps the skin shiny. Cashew is a foreign nut, but the soil and climate of India have liked it very much. The result of this is that a lot of it is produced in India and sent to foreign countries.

ignored in the early stages

When cashew originated on earth thousands of years ago, people avoided eating it because of its texture. Actually the fruit of its tree looks like a small apple, but it is not a cashew. Cashew grows in its lower part (tail), but the problem was that its peel caused itching when touched on the body, due to which it was avoided for hundreds of years. In ancient times, people saw that monkeys were breaking it and eating it. When they did this, it seemed simple to eat, but when it was dried and lightly roasted, its taste blossomed and it became popular as a food. Liquor (Goan fanny) was also made from the small apple that grows on the cashew, due to which people started liking it more.

Cashews are commonly used to enhance the taste in South and South East Asian cuisine. In India, in sweets, cashew nuts and katli have been making a splash since years. The rich people of India eat cashew nuts as a snack, while in western countries it is eaten with fervor considering it as a protein food. The wood of the cashew tree is also used to make fine furniture.

Brazil and the American region are its centers of origin.

It is believed that cashew originated in two regions simultaneously 7000 years ago and when it reached India, it spread rapidly all over the world. Indian-American botanist Prof. Sushma Naithani has told two places of origin of cashew in her research. They say that one of its centers of origin is Brazil-Paraguay center and the other is considered to be Mexico and Mizo-American center. After this, cashew remained a common nut for thousands of years. It gained momentum when Portuguese traders brought this tree from Brazil to West Africa and then to India in the 16th century.

The Cashew Export Promotion Council of India has also confirmed this. He says that the cashew tree is a native of northern Brazil, which was brought to India by Portuguese sailors between 1560 and 1565. They landed in India with it in Goa. In the early stages, its tree was used to prevent water erosion. But when Indians started processing and selling cashew nuts, it started earning a name. Many countries believe that cashew is the only dry fruit of India. The reason for this is that India is the main producer of cashew. After this the spread of cashew spread in South East Asia like Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia etc. In fact, the nutrients found in cashew have made it famous all over the world.

Cashews reduce the risk of stroke

If we talk about the nutrients of cashew, then 100 grams of cashew contains calories 553, total fat 44 grams, carbohydrate 30 grams, protein 18 grams, fiber 3.3 grams, sodium 12 mg, iron 6.68 mg, calcium 37.00 mg and other nutrients are found. Huh. According to food expert and nutrition consultant Nilanjana Singh, this dry fruit is unique in taste. When it dissolves in the mouth after chewing, its taste becomes amazing. Excellent in quality too.

Cashews also contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E. Image-Canva

Its biggest feature is that cashew reduces bad cholesterol produced in the body and increases good cholesterol. Its advantage remains that its consumption reduces the risk of stroke and possible heart disease. Those who are worried about their heart, they should consume cashew nuts regularly. Since the amount of sugar in cashew is low and fiber is also found in it, it can also control blood sugar. He told that cashews also contain omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin E which help in maintaining eyesight.

Constipation can be caused by overeating

Calcium, copper, vitamin K and magnesium present in cashews are considered better for bone health. Its consumption not only makes the bones strong, but also keeps bone-related diseases (osteoporosis) at bay. Its other feature is that the body gets energy immediately after eating it. Cashew also contains iron, phosphorus and other minerals which make the skin healthy and glowing. By eating cashews, the hair also becomes strong and shiny. Vitamins and special minerals found in cashew increase brain power and strengthen memory. It also protects the delicate nerves and tissues of the brain. In general, there is no side effect of eating cashews, but if eaten in excess, it can cause constipation. Its excessive intake can also have an adverse effect on the kidney. It also increases weight if eaten in excess.

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Tags: food, Lifestyle