What helps you get healthy fats on the go? Nuts right? Cashews are an option that every individual likes and wants to have on a daily basis. Cashew is a household name in India, just because of its adaptability and numerous health benefits. You can use cashew quite "cashew"-ally in most of the dishes you take every day. In addition to being tasty, cashews are a great source of several nutrients, such as proteins, healthy fats, and minerals, and vitamins. They are a mainstay in many households due to their health benefits and their importance in Indian cuisine.
Growing cashew trees at home is surprisingly easy, even for beginners. With the right climate and some basic knowledge, anyone can start growing cashew trees in their garden. This process is not as complex as it might seem, and the rewards of having a homegrown supply of cashew nuts are worth the effort. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to help you grow cashew nut trees successfully.
Planting The Cashew Seed
Selecting The Right Seeds
To start growing a cashew tree, it is essential to choose the right seeds. Purchase fresh cashew seeds specifically meant for planting from a gardening supply store. Seeds meant for consumption are not viable for planting as their protective shells have been removed. When handling the seeds, always wear gloves to avoid skin irritation.
Preparing The Soil
Cashew trees require sandy soil for proper growth. Sandy soil ensures good drainage, preventing waterlogging, which can damage the tree. Avoid using clay-based soil and ensure the soil allows free-flowing irrigation. Plant the seeds 10 centimetres deep to accommodate root expansion. If planting multiple trees, space them 30 feet apart to provide adequate room for growth.
Providing The Right Environment
Ideal Climate Conditions
Cashew trees thrive in warm, tropical climates with moderate rainfall. They can endure extremely high temperatures up to 50 °C. However, excessive rainfall can drown the roots, leading to the tree's death. Therefore, choose an area with moderate rainfall and ensure the tree has access to at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. Ideal locations include open fields, farmland, and hilltops that are not too windy.
Growing The Cashew Tree
Watering And Fertilising
Water the young cashew tree once a week to ensure the root system develops adequately. Once matured, water the tree weekly during summer and avoid watering in winter. Cashew trees do not need much fertilisation. However, if you decide to fertilise, use one containing nitrogen, zinc, and phosphorus to support growth.
Supporting And Pruning The Tree
Support the young tree with a stake, especially in windy areas, to prevent it from blowing over. Prune the tree regularly to remove dead or infected branches and encourage healthy growth. Pay special attention to overcrowded areas to promote better branching and fruit production.
Harvesting The Cashews
Identifying Ripe Fruit
Harvest the fruit once it turns rosy red and the shell becomes dark grey. This indicates that the fruit is ripe and the shell has fully formed. This typically occurs around winter or the rainy season, depending on the climate.
Processing The Harvest
Separate the shell from the fruit by twisting it off. The fruit, known as cashew apple, is edible and nutritious. Store the shells for up to two years before further processing. Roast the unprocessed shells in sand for 10-20 minutes at 190 °C to neutralise the caustic oil inside. Sieve the shells out from the sand and wash them with detergent. Crack the shells to extract the nuts, then roast the nuts in coconut oil for 5 minutes at 150 °C to remove any remaining toxic residue.
Growing cashew trees at home is a rewarding experience that provides a sustainable source of nutritious nuts. With the right care and conditions, beginners can successfully cultivate and harvest cashew nuts. The process requires patience, but the results are worth the effort.