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Cashew Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cashew

[หˆkรฆสƒuห ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food, plant

The cashew is a tropical tree that produces kidney-shaped seeds, which are often used as a snack or in cooking. The seeds are rich in nutrients and can be eaten raw or roasted. Additionally, the cashew tree produces cashew apples, which are also edible.

Synonyms

anacardium, cashew nut.

Examples of usage

  • I love snacking on roasted cashews.
  • Cashew milk is a popular dairy alternative.
  • She added cashews to the stir-fry for extra crunch.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • This nut can be eaten raw, roasted, or salted, and is often featured in recipes from Asian and Indian cuisine.
  • Cashew cheese is a popular dairy alternative in vegan cooking, offering a creamy texture without using animal products.

Nutrition

  • Loaded with healthy fats, cashews are a good source of protein and essential minerals like magnesium and zinc.
  • Consuming cashews may support heart health due to their low cholesterol levels and high antioxidant content.

Growth & Harvest

  • The cashew nut grows attached to the cashew apple, a juicy accessory fruit that can be eaten but is often less known.
  • Harvesting cashews requires careful processing; the outer shell contains a toxic resin, so they must be handled with care.

Cultural Significance

  • In Brazil, the cashew apple is enjoyed as a refreshing drink and also used to make a potent liquor called 'cachaรงa'.
  • In some cultures, cashew nuts are offered during celebrations and are a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.

Origin of 'cashew'

Main points about word origin

  • The name 'cashew' comes from the Portuguese word 'cajรบ', which is derived from a native Brazilian language.
  • Originally, the cashew tree is native to Brazil but is now grown in many tropical regions around the world.

The cashew tree, scientifically known as Anacardium occidentale, hails from Brazil and surrounding areas in South America. The name 'cashew' derives from the Portuguese word 'caju', which in turn comes from the indigenous Tupi language of Brazil, where it was referred to as 'cajueiro'. The tree was introduced to other tropical regions by European colonizers in the 16th century. As the fruit and the nut gained popularity, they became staples in various cuisines around the world. Interestingly, the cashew nut is not a true nut but rather a seed that grows outside of its fruit. Today, cashew nuts are cultivated extensively in countries like India, Vietnam, and Nigeria, making them an important global commodity.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,589, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.