Cashew nuts (Anacardium occidentale)

The Cashews They are nuts that are delicious, but ... do you know which tree produces them and what are their cares? If you are curious, then I am going to explain everything about it: characteristics, water, electricity and fertilizer needs,… and in short, everything you need to know to be able to enjoy it in your orchard or garden.

So without further ado, let's get to know more about this fantastic plant which, in addition to being edible and highly ornamental, has very interesting properties for our health.

Origin and characteristics

Image - Wikimedia / Eric Gaba

It is a tree whose scientific name is Western Anacardium, known as cashew, cashew, cashew, casho, caguil, merey or cashew. It is native to the northeast of Brazil, and reaches a height of 5 to 10 meters, with a wide, parasol-shaped crown, composed of evergreen, alternate, glabrous leaves, and with a size of 20 x 15cm.

The flowers are grouped in panicular inflorescences 10-20cm long, and can be female or male. The fruit consists of a fleshy part, which has an acid and astringent flavor, and the nut that is rich in protein.

Its life expectancy is about 30 years, and it begins to bear fruit at the third year of age.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

Climate

When we intend to buy a plant, the first thing (very first, if I may use the word  ) we should do is ask ourselves if it will do well in our climate, since otherwise we will most likely end up spending money for nothing.

In the case of the cashew tree, you have to know that being from Brazil can only live well in tropical climates, with temperatures between 30ºC maximum and 15ºC minimum. It does not like the cold, and it cannot stand frosts (perhaps down to -1ºC as long as it is punctually and only if it then rises above ten degrees).

Earth

• Flower potIt's advisable to put down a first layer of volcanic gravel (pumice, akadama, kiryuzuna, or similar), and then finish filling it with 80% mulch mixed with 10% organic fertilizer such as worm castings (buy it) or guano (you can buy it). However, it's not a plant that can be grown in a container for its entire life due to the size it can reach.
• Garden or orchard: grows in fertile soils, loose, and rich in organic matter.

Irrigation

The frequency of irrigation will vary greatly throughout the year, especially if you live in an area where the climate is temperate and the seasons are well differentiated. Thus, during the growing season (it would coincide with spring and summer in temperate zones) it will be watered more often than the rest of the year (autumn-winter).

Anyway, when in doubt it is highly advisable to check the humidity of the soil before watering, as this will prevent the roots from rotting or, on the contrary, from drying out completely. There are several ways to do it, which are:

• Introducing a thin wooden stick: if when removing it, it comes out with a lot of adhering soil, we will not water.
• Using a digital moisture meter: it will instantly tell us if it is wet or not.
• Weighing the pot once watered and again after a few days- Wet soil weighs more than dry soil, so this difference in weight can serve as a guide.

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Throughout the growing season, at least once a month or every 15 days it will be advisable to provide organic fertilizers, such as compost, manure or others. The only thing to know is that if you are growing in a pot you should use liquid fertilizer, following the instructions specified on the package.

Multiplication

Cashew nuts multiply by seeds in spring, or after the dry season if you live in an area with a warm tropical climate. The way to proceed is as follows:

1. First, we fill a seedling tray with mulch mixed with equal parts perlite.
2. Afterwards, we water conscientiously.
3. Then, we place a maximum of two seeds in each socket.
4. Next, we cover them with a thin layer of substrate and sprinkle copper or sulfur, which are highly effective natural fungicides.
5. Finally, we take a sprayer / atomizer and, after filling it with water, we moisten the surface of the substrate well.

Now all that remains is to place the seedbed outside, in semi-shade, and keep the substrate moist but not flooded. Thus, they will germinate in about 3 or 4 weeks.

Planting or transplanting time

As soon as the temperature exceeds 15ºC. If it is potted, transplant every 2 years to a higher.

Rusticity

Does not resist frost. To be able to grow it outside all year round, the temperature should not drop below 15ºC.

What uses does it have?

Ornamental

The cashew tree is a very decorative plant, which also gives a very nice shade.

Edible

Its fruits, and especially walnuts, they are a rich and nutritious snack. Its nutritional value per 100 grams is as follows:

• Carbohydrates: 30,19g, of which 5,91g correspond to sugars.
• Fat: 43,85g
• Proteins: 18,22g
  • Vitamin B1: 0,42mg
  • Vitamin B2: 0,06mg
  • Vitamin B3: 1,06mg
  • Vitamin B6: 0,42mg
  • Vitamin C: 0,5mg
  • Calcium: 37mg
  • Iron: 6,68mg
  • Magnesium: 10mg
  • Phosphorus: 50mg
  • Potassium: 660mg

Are cashews fattening?

There are many people who ask, and the truth is that you have to control your consumption since 18 units contain 163 calories.

Medicinal properties of cashew

Cashews, in addition to being delicious, have medicinal properties. In fact, they are excellent because:

• prevent cancer,
• help delay aging,
• improve the health of the heart and arteries,
• strengthen the skeleton,
• they are one of the best allies for skin and hair,
• And as if that were not enough, they stop the formation of gallstones.

Contraindications

Its consumption is not recommended if we have an intolerance to nuts, or if we have stomach problems. Likewise, children under 3 years old should not consume them due to the risk of choking.

Image -Wikimedia / Renjusplace

What did you think of cashews? I hope you learned a lot about the tree that produces them, but if you have any questions, please write them in the comments  .