Latest roundup of cashew production areas: what are the main producing regions?
Cashew, also known as the cashew tree, chicken kidney cashew, and Jieshou fruit, is a shrub or small tree of the genus Anacardium in the family Anacardiaceae under the order Sapindales. The edible part is the kidney-shaped portion borne at the tip of the false fruit. It is rich in nutritional value, can be used in stir-fries, and can also be used medicinally. It is one of the world's four famous dried nuts. Now let us take a look at the production areas and distribution of cashews!
Cashew Production Areas and Distribution
Cashew is native to northeastern Brazil and areas within 10° south latitude. It was introduced to Asia and Africa in the 16th century and has now spread throughout East Africa and South Asian countries. The countries with relatively large cashew planting areas in the world include India, Brazil, Vietnam, Mozambique, and Tanzania. In China, cashews are mainly distributed in Hainan and Yunnan, and have also been introduced in Guangxi, Guangdong, Fujian, and Taiwan, China.
Environment of Cashew Production Areas
Cashew has extremely strong adaptability. It is a warmth-loving, strongly heliophilous tree species, tolerant of drought and barren conditions, with a certain wind resistance, and is best grown below an altitude of 400 m. It has low soil requirements; aside from poor growth on heavy clay and limestone-derived soils, it can grow in red soil, sandy loam, or rocky mountain land with soil organic matter content of less than 1%. It is not cold-tolerant and requires very high temperatures during the growing period. Flowering and fruiting are normal at a monthly average temperature of 23-30°C, growth is slow at 20°C, it is susceptible to cold damage below 17°C, and below 15°C it suffers severe damage and dies. It needs more than 2000 hours of annual sunshine, and annual precipitation of 1000-1600 mm is more suitable. It should not be planted in areas where the groundwater level is too high or where water accumulates during the rainy season, and it avoids overcast and rainy weather during the flowering period.
How to Choose Cashews
1. Choose raw or roasted: Raw cashews need to be processed yourself, generally requiring soaking and other steps, which is rather troublesome. You can buy roasted ones, which are more convenient.
2. Check the appearance: Before buying cashews, you should carefully check the appearance. Normal cashews should present a complete crescent shape. They also should not be too broken or small.
3. Smell the aroma: High-quality cashews have a fragrant smell, but they should not be too fragrant; otherwise, it indicates too many additives and too much essence, which is not good for the human body if eaten in excess.
4. Check the price: Cashews are not cheap. Generally speaking, roasted cashews are about 50 yuan per jin. Very cheap cashews are definitely not of good quality, so you should check the price before buying.
5. Not damp: When buying cashews, first taste them to avoid buying damp ones. In particular, some that feel a bit sticky indicate that they have absorbed moisture, so do not buy them.