Cashew is a dry fruit which everyone likes. Be it Paneer curry made with cashew gravy, Pulao or Kaju Katli sweet, it is being liked since the Mughal period. It is said that Akbar liked cashew korma and Jahangir liked cashew katli. Whatever dish cashews are added to, its taste changes. Goa in India is known for cashew, but it did not grow in our country for about 526 years. Today 23 November and this day National Cashew Day Is celebrated as. Know the story of cashew on this occasion.
Cashew nuts reached India from Portugal
The Portuguese entered Goa, India on 20 May 1498 and through them cashew entered here in 1560. Initially Portuguese traders used to trade in them. He used to bring cashew nuts from Brazil. Actually cashew used to grow the most there. But gradually it started being cultivated in Goa. It is grown in maritime areas, hence now it is also cultivated in Kerala, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and West Bengal. Cashew is called cashew in English which is derived from the Portuguese word caju.
Cashew is a seed!
Many people eat cashew as a dry fruit, but cashew is a seed which is part of the family called Anacardiaceae. Mango and pistachio also come in this family. Actually, cashew is the seed of a tree called Cashew Apple. Its unique thing is that this seed does not hang inside the fruit but outside at the bottom. Red and yellow cashew apples are juicy and sweet like apples. Some people also make vegetables, chutney and jam from it. Fanni, the famous liquor made in Goa, is made from cashew apple only.
Cashew is the seed of cashew apple. Eating this gives strength to the body (Image-Canva)
Humans have been eating cashews for thousands of years
Cashews contain iron, copper, protein, fiber, vitamin B, C, calcium, sodium, zinc, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus. It is being eaten for about 9 thousand years. The Tupi tribals living in Brazil, South America have been eating it for a long time. oxford university According to research, cashews were first tasted by capuchin monkeys, which are found in Brazil.
American soldiers got immediate strength
From 1947 to 1989, the Cold War was going on between America and the Soviet Union. During this time, America used to provide butter made from cashew nuts in the survival kits of its soldiers. Actually, eating cashew nuts gives instant strength to the body. When soldiers felt tired or weak, they got a lot of benefit from eating it. During the Second World War, the oil extracted from cashew nuts was used as a lubricant in weapons.
Are cashew nuts poisonous?
Cashews have a peel on them like peanuts. Peanuts are sold with their peels whereas cashews are not sold as such because their peels are poisonous. Actually, the peel in which the cashew seed is enclosed contains anacardic acid. This poisonous substance irritates the skin and can cause rashes. Therefore, cashew nuts are always sold after removing them from the shell. In the initial period, the Europeans considered it poisonous but it was the Tupi tribals who taught the world how to eat it.
Cashew Milk Products
Cashew milk is very popular among those who are vegan, i.e. do not drink the milk of cow, goat, buffalo or any other animal. Apart from this, it is also a good option for those who are lactose intolerant i.e. allergic to dairy products. Actually this is plant based milk. Cashew milk is now being sold in abundance in the markets. It can be made very easily at home also. Cashews are used to make not only milk but also cheese and butter. Cashew milk can be used to make tea, coffee, smoothies, creamy soups and sauces. It is mainly included in vegan diet.
Eating too many cashews can lead to weight gain (Image-Canva)
How to eat cashews
According to Ayurveda Acharya S.P Katiyar, one should not eat more than 30 grams of cashew nuts in a day. Never roast them and eat them with salt. Like other dry fruits, cashews should be soaked overnight and eaten in the morning. Eating cashew nuts cures heart diseases and bad cholesterol. Skin is good, immunity is good and bones are strong. But people who suffer from constipation or bloating should avoid it. People with diabetes should also not eat these.
beneficial in menopause
ResearchGate But according to the published study, cashews contain magnesium which is beneficial in headache. People who suffer from migraine or constant headache should eat cashew nuts every day. This ensures good blood circulation in the brain. Apart from this, it also keeps hormones balanced. By eating cashew nuts during menopause, women are less likely to get hot flashes.
Tags: brazil news, Diabetes, Dry Fruits, global health, Glowing Skin, Goa, Health
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 23, 2024, 11:24 IST