National Cashew Day 2024: History, Significance and Unique Recipes You Should Try!

National Cashew Day happens every year on the 23rd of November, and this year 2024 falls on a Saturday. This day is made for cashew nut enjoyment and appreciation, a most popular and versatile nut for its unique flavour and health benefits.

Significance of National Cashew Day:

These nuts have an excellent taste and are rich in all the required nutrition in the form of protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Cashews are extremely valued in most types of cuisine globally; they can be consumed raw or roasted and even used as an ingredient in other foods like curries, salads, and even desserts. Moreover, butter and milk made from cashew nuts have become popular products for vegan diet followers.

History

The cashew tree is native to Brazil and was first identified by Europeans in the 16th century. The Portuguese began exporting cashew seeds into other regions, which became highly popular worldwide. National Cashew Day has been observed since 2015 and creates awareness about the versatility of the nut as a food item, including its health benefits.

How to Celebrate

Some ways to celebrate National Cashew Day:

Munch on Cashews: Roasted, salted, or as part of a trail mix, their versatility is sure to delight.

Cook with Cashews: Add them to savoury dishes or sweet creations.

Try Cashew Substitutes: Try cashew butter or cashew milk as substitutes in your recipes.

Share Recipes: Find new ways to use cashews in cooking and share with friends and family.

Health Benefits

Cashews are touted to be beneficial for health, containing:

• Rich in antioxidants that promote healthy skin.
• High in copper, supporting a healthy immune system.
• Nutrient-dense with essential vitamins B1, B2, E, and minerals like iron and zinc.

Here are some unique recipes to try on National Cashew Day, showcasing the versatility of cashews in both savoury and sweet dishes:

Unique Cashew Recipes

1. Cashew Butter

Ingredients:

• 2 cups roasted cashews
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Place roasted cashews in a food processor.
2. Blend until smooth, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. Add salt to taste, if desired. Store in an airtight container.

2. Cashew Cheese

Ingredients:

• 1 cup soaked cashews
• 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Drain and rinse soaked cashews.
2. Blend all ingredients until creamy.
3. Adjust seasoning and serve as a spread or dip.

3. Cashew Curry

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cashews
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 tomatoes, pureed
• 1 tablespoon ginger-garlic paste
• Spices (cumin, coriander, turmeric)

Instructions:

1. Sauté onions until golden, add ginger-garlic paste and cook.
2. Stir in tomato puree and spices; cook until thickened.
3. Add cashews and water; simmer until cashews are tender.

4. Cashew Energy Bars

Ingredients:

• 1 cup dates, pitted
• 1 cup cashews
• ½ cup shredded coconut

Instructions:

1. Blend dates and cashews in a food processor until crumbly.
2. Mix in shredded coconut and press into a lined baking dish.
3. Chill until firm, then cut into bars.

5. Cashew Pesto

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup roasted cashews
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Blend basil, cashews, garlic, and olive oil until smooth.
2. Season with salt and pepper.
3. Serve over pasta or as a dip.

6. Kaju Katli (Indian Cashew Fudge)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cashew flour (finely ground cashews)
• 1 cup sugar
• Water (as needed)

Instructions:

1. Cook sugar with water to form a syrup.
2. Add cashew flour and mix until it forms a dough.
3. Roll out and cut into diamond shapes.

7. Carrot and Cashew Payasam (Pudding)

Ingredients:

• 1 cup grated carrots
• ½ cup cashews
• 4 cups milk
• Sugar to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil milk and add grated carrots; cook until soft.
2. Stir in sugar and crushed cashews; simmer for a few minutes.
3. Serve warm or chilled.

These recipes highlight the deliciousness of cashews while providing options for various dietary preferences, including vegan options like cashew cheese and energy bars! Enjoy experimenting with these dishes on National Cashew Day! A few days ahead of National Cashew Day, it is time to give in to this nutritious nut while exploring its culinary possibilities.

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