14 April 2024, New Delhi | ANN

The cashew nut is native to northeastern Brazil. The cashew tree was later introduced to other tropical regions, and today, India is the world’s largest producer of cashew nuts.

A cashew plant starts yielding from 3rd year onwards. The peak picking months are from March to May. Good nuts are grey green, smooth, and well filled. After picking, the nuts are separated from the apple and dried in the sun for 2-3 days to bring down the moisture content to 10 to 12 percent. Properly dried nuts are packed in alkathene bags. This will keep for 6 months.

One cashew tree generally gives 3 – 4 kg yield per year. It’s normally grown as a rainfed crop, and grows up well in all soils but red sandy loam is best suited. It can grow in plains as well as on hill slopes of up to 600 – 700 feet elevation.  The months from June to December are best for their cultivation.

Cashews are a good source of protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and are said to improve heart health, weight management, and blood sugar control.

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