Cashews are a beloved snack enjoyed worldwide, but their fascinating journey from tree to table reveals that they are much more than what meets the eye. In fact, cashews aren’t even nuts—they’re seeds with a remarkable story.

From the Tropics to Your Table

Cashew trees flourish in warm, tropical regions where the soil and climate are ideal. Originally native to Brazil, these trees were introduced to India, Vietnam, and West Africa in the 16th century by Portuguese explorers. Today, these countries are among the world’s top cashew producers, with local farmers relying heavily on the crop for their livelihoods.

The Cashew’s Unique Design

Interestingly, cashews grow beneath a fruit called the cashew apple, which is not a true apple but an accessory fruit. This pear-shaped fruit develops from the flower stalk, while the true treasure lies beneath—a kidney-shaped seed known as the cashew.

Before processing, raw cashews are encased in a hard, kidney-shaped shell that is grayish-green in color. The shell contains urushiol, a toxic resin also found in poison ivy, which makes handling raw cashews risky without proper precautions. This protective shell is part of Jehovah’s thoughtful design, safeguarding the seed until it is ready to provide nourishment.

While animals such as fruit-eating birds, bats, and monkeys may enjoy the cashew apple for its sweetness, they instinctively avoid the toxic cashew nut, further ensuring its protection until harvested or germinated. The cashew apple is used locally in products like juices and jams, though it is not widely known outside these regions due to its perishability. With proper harvesting and handling techniques, however, cashew apples can be kept fresh for up to fifteen days.

Why Are Cashews So Expensive?

Cashews are considered a luxury item, and for good reason:

1. Labor-Intensive Processing: Encased in a hard shell containing urushiol, cashews require careful handling. The multi-step process of roasting and peeling the shell is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

2. High Demand: The creamy texture and rich flavor of cashews have made them a global favorite in snacks, cooking, and dairy-free products like cashew milk. This enduring popularity keeps prices high.

A Treat Through the Ages

Cashews have been enjoyed for centuries. Indigenous peoples in Brazil valued them for their taste and nutritional benefits. When Portuguese explorers introduced cashews to other parts of the world in the 1500s, they quickly became a cherished delicacy, appreciated for their versatility and flavor.

Jehovah’s Amazing Creation

The cashew tree is yet another testament to Jehovah’s wisdom and care. As Genesis 1:11-12 reminds us, Jehovah created seed-bearing plants to provide food. The cashew tree, with its edible seeds and versatile fruit, reflects this loving provision. Its unique structure and benefits remind us of the thoughtful design evident in all of creation.

Did You Know?

• A mature cashew tree can produce a substantial yield annually, though the exact weight depends on factors like climate and care.

• Cashew apples are highly perishable, but with proper handling, they can remain fresh for up to fifteen days.

• Cashews remain one of the most popular “nuts” globally, despite their high cost.

Cashews, with their intriguing history and unique design, provide not just nutrition but a glimpse of the wonders of Jehovah’s creation.

Sources:

• Encyclopaedia Britannica: Cashew

• Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO): Cashew Cultivation

• New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (NWT)