National Cashew Day is celebrated every year on November 23 all around the United States. Cashew is a kidney-shaped nut that isn’t just loved in the United States, Cashews are also popular around the globe. Cashews have innumerable uses and we can snack on Cashews.
You can cook with Cashews, and we can get drunk off Cashews. Cashews are indeed elite Nuts that deserve a day to celebrate them. National Cashew Day is that special day dedicated to enjoying the crunchy, savory, and versatile Nut in many ways.
The name ‘Cashew’ comes from the Portuguese for its Fruit, ‘Caju’ or ‘Acaju,’ derived from the Tupian word ‘Acajú,’ which means ‘Nut that produces itself.’ Cashews, unlike other Nuts, grow like tails out of the bottom of Cashew Apples.
Cashew Trees are generally huge, but Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, is home to the world’s largest Cashew Tree, which covers more than 81,000 square feet, almost 70 times the size of a regular one! The outer covering of the Cashew Nut contains an Anacardic acid that causes skin irritation, which is why when Europeans first discovered Cashews in Brazil in 1558, they thought Cashews were inedible.
The Tupi-Indians, a local native tribe, showed the Portuguese the value of the actual Seed, which they had discovered while watching the local Capuchin Monkeys. They trained the Portuguese to roast the Seeds to get the irritant off. Not only did they come to enjoy the taste of Cashews, they even made Wine out of its Fruit’s pulp. T
he Portuguese were such fans of the Nut that their Missionaries brought Cashews to Goa, India, in 1560. The Indian climate proved the perfect fit to plant the Seeds, and Cashews took the Country by storm. Indians even discovered healing properties within the Nut, adding to its popularity.
Cashews spread rapidly through Southeast Asia and Africa and became essential parts of their food and commerce. It wasn’t until 1905 that Cashews reached the United States. They initially saw a slow spread, only becoming popular around the mid-1920s when the General Food Corporation began regularly shipping Cashews to the U.S. and Europe. Once Americans got a taste of the Cashews, the demand for Cashews spiked. By 1941, about 22,046.23 tons were imported from India annually.
Research has shown that these Nuts are effective antidepressants. Cashews are rich in minerals and vitamins and a perfect ingredient for Soups, Stews, Desserts, especially in Latin American and Asian cuisine. Other parts of the main plant, including the Fruit, Oil, pulp, and bark, are just as valuable.
National Cashew Day Activities
- There is no, better way to celebrate National Cashew Day than by eating Cashews? You can have Cashews roasted, or any way you please.
- From savory to sweet, fried to baked, there are thousands of Cashew recipes, and you can even cook Cashews into other dishes. Put on your Chef cap and get cooking on National Cashew Day.
- During your grocery run this week, swap out some of your staples to try out Cashew-based ingredients. You can get Cashew Oil, Cashew Butter (like Peanut Butter), and so much more.
Interesting Facts About Cashews
- Did you know the United States is responsible for the consumption of more than 90% of Cashews produced globally!
- Cashews are green before their Seed is roasted.
- Fermented and distilled Juice from Cashew Apples contains 40-42% Alcohol known as ‘Feni.’
- Traditional Mayan medicine makes Tea from the Leaves or bark of Cashews that treats diarrhea.
- Cashew Nuts are used to make industrial products including paint, brake liners, lubricants, waterproofing, and in World War II, Cashews were even used for arms production.
Why We Love National Cashew Day
Cashews are delicious and are considered a premium quality snack. Cashews are widely used in South and Southeast Asia and are an essential part of the cuisine in the South of India.
Cashews are packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, zinc, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin E, and so much more. Cashews are rich in copper, which keeps the immune system healthy.
Cashews are versatile Nuts that have several uses and Cashews can be snacked on, cooked with, or used to make Butter or Cheese.
Recipe for Cashew Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 People
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken breasts
- salt and pepper
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup Soy Sauce low sodium if preferred
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 3 Garlic Cloves minced
- 1 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
- 1 Tablespoon Hoisen Sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Oil
- 1 cup whole unsalted cashews
Instructions
- Cut your chicken breast into one inch pieces. Salt and pepper.
- Toss the chicken with the cornstarch in a ziplock bag.
- Add olive oil to a wok or large skillet over medium high heat. Once the oil gets to the smoking point then add the chicken in a single layer in batches. Cook each side until golden brown.
- n a small bowl whisk the soy sauce, chicken broth, garlic, brown sugar, hoisin and sesame oil. Add to the pan with the cashews. Toss until the sauce has thickened. Serve over rice and with veggies if desired
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
