National Cashew Day Quiz: Celebrate and Test Your Cashew Knowledge!

Cashews are a nut, grown on trees throughout the world's tropical zones. The cashew tree is native to northeastern Brazil but is now cultivated in various tropical regions around the world. The cashew nut is actually the seed that grows at the end of the cashew apple, which is a pear-shaped fruit. The tree can grow up to 46 feet in height and requires a warm climate to thrive.

The edible part of the cashew is the cashew nut. Once the cashew apple is removed, the shell needs to be cracked to obtain the cashew nut. The cashew nut is a kidney-shaped seed that is commonly used in cooking, baking, and eaten as a snack.

Cashew apple is used to make wine, jam, and juice. While the cashew nut is the main focus, the cashew apple is not wasted. It has a juicy and slightly acidic taste, making it suitable for various culinary uses. In some regions, cashew apple products are consumed as refreshments or turned into commercial products.

National Cashew Day is celebrated annually November 23. This day is to celebrate a popular nut for partying and snacking. National Cashew Day is only celebrated nationwide in the United States of America. This unofficial holiday was first observed in 2015.

The scientific name for cashew is Anacardium occidentale. It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is related to poison ivy and poison oak. The name 'Anacardium' is derived from the Greek words 'ana' (meaning without) and 'cardium' (meaning heart), referring to the absence of a true nut.

The outer part of a cashew nut is called the shell. It is a hard and durable structure that protects the edible kernel inside. The shell is toxic and contains a resinous substance that can cause skin irritation. Proper processing is required to remove the shell and obtain the cashew nut.

Cashews are abundant in iron. A 1-ounce serving of cashews provides approximately 2 milligrams of iron, which is around 10% of the recommended daily intake. Iron is essential for transporting oxygen throughout the body and maintaining healthy red blood cells.

The approximate fat content in cashews is 10 grams per ounce. While cashews are relatively high in fat, the majority of the fat is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. It is important to consume them in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

The leaves of the cashew tree are toxic. They contain urushiol, the same irritant found in poison ivy and poison oak. Direct contact with cashew leaves can cause skin rashes and irritation. It is important to handle cashew tree leaves with caution and avoid any skin contact.

The predominant type of fat in cashews is monounsaturated fat. Monounsaturated fats are considered heart-healthy fats as they can help reduce bad cholesterol levels and lower the risk of heart disease. Cashews also contain smaller amounts of polyunsaturated and saturated fats.