Cashew Apples in Goa

Goa, a tropical paradise located in the west coast of India, is famous for its scenic beaches, delicious cuisine, and a rich cultural heritage. However, many are unaware of the significance of cashew apples in the state. Cashew apples, also known as cashew fruit, are the fleshy part of the cashew tree and have been a crucial part of Goan culture for centuries.

Cashew apples are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes, from sweet to savory. They can be eaten fresh, dried, or used to make juice, feni, a local spirit, and other beverages. The juice extracted from cashew apples is sweet and refreshing, and is a popular drink in the hot and humid climate of Goa. Feni, on the other hand, is a stronger spirit and is produced by fermenting the juice of cashew apples. It is considered a delicacy and is an integral part of Goan culture, especially during festivals and celebrations.

Cashew apples also play a crucial role in the local economy, as cashew nut farming is a major source of income for many families in Goa. The cashew nut industry in Goa employs thousands of people and contributes significantly to the state’s economy.

Here are some cool facts about the Cashew Apple Fruit:

1. The cashew fruit consists of two distinct parts, a fleshy stalk in the form of a pear, also called cashew apple, with a brilliant yellow or red skin, and a nut of grey-brownish colour, in the shape of a kidney, which hangs from the lower end of the stalk or apple.
2. Juices, syrups, preserves, wine or liqueurs are derived from the apple but the main commercial use is the cashew nut itself; shelled, roasted and salted for the snack industry and as an ingredient in the confectionery, cereal and ready meals industry.
3. Cashew Apple, a completely untapped magic fruit and one of the richest source of Vitamin C, 5 times more than oranges! It’s also packed with antioxidants that help you burn fat while tasting juicy, pulpy and sweet.
4. Cashew fruits are an excellent source of vitamin C and magnesium, which can help promote tissue and bone growth, and contains copper, potassium, and iron. The fruit also contains fiber, earning it the reputation of a digestive cleanser, and the tannic juice is sometimes used to help soothe sore throats.
5.  It is also claimed for numerous ailments including antitumor, antimicrobial, urease inhibitory and lipoxygenase activity. In addition, cashew apple juice also has excellent anti-oxidant potential.
6. In spite of its nutritional richness and taste, millions of tonnes of cashew apple is thrown away or left to rot as a by-product of the harvest. The fruits are fragile, with a delicate skin and the fermentation process starts within 24 hrs of harvest.

GoaFest has set up a supply chain that ensures that the fruit is cleanly harvested at its correct ripeness, transported, stored and processed with a clock work precision that ensures no loss of its nutritional value. The central role in this endeavour is that of the farmers in our supply chain network and in the process they benefit from higher incomes and adding value to a commodity that was historically left to rot.

In conclusion, cashew apples are an important part of Goan culture and have a significant impact on the local economy. From the refreshing juice to the traditional feni, cashew apples have a rich history in Goa and continue to be an essential part of the state’s cultural and economic identity.

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Cashew Apple Delight : https://goanfest.com/product/cashew-apple-delight/

Cashew Apple Relish : https://goanfest.com/product/cashew-apple-relish/

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