Though Cashew Nut (Anacardium occidentale) is a native of Brazil, India is a major manufacturer, processor, exporter, and the second largest consumer of the nut in the world. Cashew grows mainly in
Kerala,
Andhra Pradesh,
Orissa,
Maharashtra,
Karnataka,
Goa, and
Tamil Nadu.
The fruit is a fleshy peduncule which swells when the nut is ripe. The nut is situated at the bottom of the globular fruit and looks like its appendage. The nuts are kidney-shaped, 3 to 5 cm long and 2 to 3.5 cm wide depending on the variety. Cashew Shell Liquid (CSL) derived from the nuts is a raw material for marine paints, varnishes, and resins. Cashew is also a source of nutritional elements. The fruit has a high content of vitamin C, and hence is a good anti-scurvy medicine. It is also a diuretic. The nuts are very rich in vitamins A, D, K, PP, and fatty acids such asoleic and linoleic.
