Did you know that the cashew tree can survive for 50-60 years? The cashew tree thrives in sunny and warm temperatures from 50 degrees Fahrenheit to 105 degrees Fahrenheit which is equivalent to 40.5°C.
It can do well in areas with long dry seasons and can tolerate high levels of humid and long periods of drought. This ability to adapt to harsh climatic and environmental conditions enables the tree to manage seasons of stress and therefore able to survive for a long time.
The cashew tree also has a robust, deep root system that spreads and holds the tree firmly in the ground, providing access to water and nutrients from the soil better than most trees. The roots also give stability against strong winds and play a big role in its long life span.
Because the cashew tree takes 3-5 years to be ready to bear fruits, it has a slow and steady growth pattern that enables it to conserve most of its energy, preventing early exhaustion and aging.
Cashew Nuts Portugal
Cashew nuts existed even before pre-historic times and it was spread by birds through pollination. The word cashew comes from the Portuguese pronunciation of ‘cajun’ that was adapted from the Indian word ‘acajou’
In the 50s the Spanish sailors brought cashew seeds into Portugal during their trade visits. Small quantities of cashews started spreading through the pPortugalbarter trade market.
Realizing the value of the nut, the Portuguese started paying more attention to cashews and finding more suppliers of the cashews as the demand started to increase in the market.
Today, cashew nuts in Portugal are an important trade item valued for its health benefits and culinary applications. The consumption of cashews both locally and globally continues to rise, promising a better future for the cashew industry.