Are you thinking about the fruits which seeds are outside of fruit? Cashew and strawberry are the 2 fruits they seed outside of the fruit.
They are several benefits of cashews check them and let us learn about how to plant and grow the cashews tree at home.
Introduction
The cashew tree is one of the best and most versatile evergreen trees which produce cashew fruits. It produces two types of fruits cashew nuts and the cashew apple. In general, we all are aware of cashew nuts but not about cashew apples. The cashew tree is cultivated for commercial purposes in Brazil and India. It is originated from Central America and the Caribbean islands. Cashew tree likes tropical climate whether the climate is wet or dry and it grows flowers as well as fruits in winter.
Planting the cashews
Cashew tree prefers the sandy soil and laterite soil because ensuring a lack of waterlogging. Avoid different types of soil which permit free flow irrigation can lead to damage to the tree. It will grow in poor sandy soil with a pH of about 5- 6.5. They never grow in clay soil and the soil should be well-drained in such a way that water flows smoothly.
To propagate cashews from seed and then buy seeds from the nearest nurseries that are matured unshelled nuts. They are viable for up to 4 months. Have you collected seeds from the tree, dry them for 3 days in sunlight and soak in water overnight before sowing. They sowed seeds can be germinated for 4 days to 3 weeks.
Also Read: How to grow cherry trees- A complete guide
Requirements for growing the cashews
Sun
Cashew nuts tree requires direct sunlight for at least 6 hours per day. It can’t grow quickly in shades and doesn’t produce fruits.
Water
The cashew tree is drought-tolerant if once established. If you provide water regularly it can produce more fruits. In summer, regularly water the plant once in the afternoon time. Withhold water or reduce watering in winter twice or thrice week water the plant and overwatering also kill the cashew tree. So, watered the plant when it becomes dry and lets the soil dry out then water it frequently.
Fertilizers
Cashews need to be fertilized regularly for the tree to grow and bear fruit, use a slow-release fertilizer according to the product instructions on the package. Apply around the base of the tree, every two months during the growing season fertilize at the same time. Compost or manure is applied once a year at about 30 pounds (15 kg) above the ground until the plant is ripe.
Harvesting the cashews
Select the fruit when it is pinkish red and the skin is dark gray. This color means that the fruit is ripe and the skin is fully formed. This usually happens in winter or during the rainy season (depending on what climate you are in).
Separate the shell from the fruit (cashew). The pods are kidney-shaped and stick to the fruit at one end. Twisting the peel should remove the fruit.
The fruit is also edible, contains many nutrients, and many people use it for smoothies or even eat it raw. The peel can be stored for up to two years before further processing.
Roast raw shells in a frying pan covered with fine sand for 10-20 minutes. This is because there are walnuts inside the shell, but there is also extremely acidic caustic oil that can burn you. Sealing the shells is very important or completely immerses you in the sand. The temperature for this process should be around 190 ° C (374 ° F). Anything above will cause the oil to evaporate into smoke (which should be avoided) and dry out. Use an old or disposable oven tray, as oil residues are difficult to remove afterward.
Sift sand seashells. Before further processing, the housing should be rinsed with detergent to avoid contact with oil residues. Be careful not to get into your eyes or face during this process, as oil may remain on it.
Break the shell, the nuts prepared for peeling from the inside will have a layer around, you must carefully peel with a knife before moving on to the next step.
Roast walnuts in coconut oil for 5 minutes. Made to remove toxic oil residues and ensure you are edible. The oil should be heated to approximately 150 ° C (302 ° F). Walnuts are ready to eat.
Growing tips for cashews
Sow fresh cashews for easy sprouting.
A plant grown from seed takes 3 to 5 years to bear its first fruits.
Our recommendation is to buy potted plants from the nursery. If you do this, you will not get the expected results.
Find the location which is protected from the wind. It grows best at around 80 degrees F (25 degrees C), although it can withstand temperatures from 50 degrees F (10 degrees C) to 105 degrees F (40.5 degrees C) No problem.
Make sure there are no weeds, small bushes, vines, or debris around the cashew root. Watch out for diseased or dead branches and prune them if necessary.
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Cashew tree care
Pruning
Prune the cashew tree regularly to remove weak, dead, shriveled branches, as well as infected and diseased branches. Also, prune overcrowded branches to promote strong growth.
Mulch
Organic matter around the cashew tree to prevent weeds and retain moisture.
Pests and Diseases
Cashews are generally free of pests and diseases as long as they are healthy and Webber.