Wikipedia

Goan cashew

The Goan cashew refers to the edible nut variety of the Cashew fruit grown in the Indian state of Goa, which is one of the major Cashew-growing Indian states.[1] Goa Kaju or Goa Caju are variations of the same name.[2][3]

Goa cashew (गोवा काजू)
Geographical indication
Alternative namesGoa Kaju, Goa Caju
DescriptionA Cashew variety grown in Goa, India
TypeCashew
AreaGoa
CountryIndia
Registered3 October 2023
Official websiteDetails for Goa cashew - Geographical Indications -Intellectual Property India

Under its Geographical Indication tag, it is referred to as "Goa Cashew (Kaju or Caju)".[4]

Goa Cashew is the state fruit of Goa, and is a prized commercial horticulture crop.[5] Its exceptional kernel quality and inherently organic plantations make it highly sought after.[6]

Name

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It is named after its place of origin, the state of Goa, located on the west coast of Goa while Kaju means Cashew - in the local state language of Konkani while Caju means the same in Portuguese language.[7][8] The Portuguese brought it from Brazil to Goa, formerly Estado da Índia Portuguesa in India, between 1560 and 1565.[9][10] From there, it spread throughout Southeast Asia and eventually Africa. It was introduced to Goa by the Portuguese approximately 450 years ago, was initially intended for soil conservation and wasteland development through afforestation. However, its significant economic value remained unrealized for nearly a century. It wasn't until 100 years after its introduction that the commercial potential of cashew nuts became apparent, gradually elevating its importance. The processing technology for Goa Cashew has a rich history, dating back around 350 years.[11]

Features

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Physical characteristics

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  • Outer shell: Grey-colored, slightly fat
  • Inner seed (Cashew Kernel/ Nut): Ivory white

Culinary significance

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Goa Cashew nuts are an integral part of Goan cuisine, particularly in:

  • Sweets and curry recipes[12]
  • Goa Biya Bhaji, a famous local dish[13]
  • Snacking, adding nutty crunch, texture, and flavor

Health benefits

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Goa Cashew nuts provide:

  • Substantial energy for health-conscious individuals[14]
  • Relief from recurring migraines due to Magnesium's relaxing effect on blood vessels[15]

Unique features

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  • Taste[16]
  • Enjoyed plain or in recipes, savory to sweet[17]
  • Large size cashew nuts unique to Goa

Economic significance

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  • "Poor man's crop" and "rich man's favorite snack" globally[18]
  • Widely used in Goan culinary, including cashew apples for Feni production[19][20][21][22]
  • Supports foreign exchange through export, providing high returns to farmers[23]

Tourist favorite

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  • Tourists visiting Goa ensure they buy Goa Cashew nuts before departing, making it a cherished souvenir.[24]

Geographical indication

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It was awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) status tag from the Geographical Indications Registry under the Union Government of India on 03/10/2023 (valid until 25/10/2030).[25][26]

Goa Cashew Manufactures Association (GCMA) from Panaji proposed the GI registration of Goa Cashew (Kaju or Caju). After filing the application on 26/10/2020, the Cashew was granted the GI tag in 2023 by the Geographical Indication Registry in Chennai, making the name "Goa Cashew (Kaju or Caju)" exclusive to the cashews grown in the region. It thus became the 2nd Cashew variety from India after Vengurla Cashew and the 10th type of goods from Goa to earn the GI tag.[4][27]

See also

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Notes

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  1. ^ Evaluation, Goa, Daman and Diu (India) Directorate of Planning, Statistics & (1984). Sixth Five Year Plan, 1980-85. Directorate of Planning, Statistics, and Evaluation, Government of the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. Retrieved 5 November 2024.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ Bradnock, Robert W.; Bradnock, Roma (2002). Footprint Goa Handbook: The Travel Guide. Footprint Handbooks. ISBN 978-1-903471-22-7. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  3. ^ "What the GI tag can mean for the cashew industry in Goa". The Indian Express. 11 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  4. ^ a b "Geographical Indications". Intellectual Property India. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  5. ^ Bhatt, S. C. (2005). Land and people of Indian states and union territories : (in 36 volumes). Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7835-356-2. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  6. ^ "In Graphics: What is the GI tag that the Goan cashew has received?". Firstpost. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  7. ^ Antony, Philomena Sequeira (2004). The Goa Bahia intra-colonial relations, 1675 - 1825 (1. publ ed.). Tellicherry: Institute for Research in Social Sciences and Humanities. ISBN 978-81-88432-09-7. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  8. ^ Borges, Charles J.; Pereira, Oscar Guilherme; Stubbe, Hannes (2000). Goa and Portugal: History and Development. Concept Publishing Company. ISBN 978-81-7022-867-7. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  9. ^ Souza, Teotonio R. De (1994). Goa to Me. Concept Publishing Company. p. 41. ISBN 978-81-7022-504-1. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  10. ^ Jarnagin, Laura (2011). Portuguese and Luso-Asian Legacies in Southeast Asia, 1511-2011: The making of the Luso-Asian world, intricacies of engagement. Institute of Southeast Asian Studies. ISBN 978-981-4345-25-5. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Techniques and practices for cashew production" (PDF). ICAR-CCARI. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  12. ^ Team, Herald (11 August 2024). "Kaju Katli to French Macaron, Paris Olympians reveal their foodie side". Herald Goa. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  13. ^ "Serving authentic Goan goodies | Business Goa". 27 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  14. ^ "Health Benefit of a Handful of Cashew Nuts (Anacardium Occidentale L.) to Prevent Different Disorders Like Diabetes, Heart Disorders, Cancer, Weight Gain, Gallstone, Migraine Headache" (PDF). Goa State Biodiversity Board. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  15. ^ "12 best-selling Cashew nuts for a crunchy and delicious snack time". The Economic Times. 20 February 2024. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  16. ^ "Goan cashew with unique taste & identity gets GI tag". The Times of India. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  17. ^ Desk, G. T. (10 May 2024). "IHCL celebrates Goa's culinary heritage at Cashew Fest Goa 2024". Goa News on Gomantak Times. Retrieved 5 November 2024. {{cite news}}: |last1= has generic name (help)
  18. ^ "ANALYSIS OF CASHEW VALUE CHAIN IN GOA" (PDF). Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH). Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  19. ^ Malgonkar, Manohar (2004). Inside Goa. Architecture Autonomous. ISBN 978-81-901830-0-0. Retrieved 7 November 2024.
  20. ^ Kohli, Manek S. (12 January 2024). "Tasting Feni In Goa With Locals". Outlook Traveller. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  21. ^ Writer, Staff (22 December 2023). "Feni: A 500-Year-Old Goan Tradition | Madras Courier". Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  22. ^ "GI tag for cashew nuts to put Goa on global culinary map". The Times of India. 23 November 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  23. ^ "Cashewnut exports dip, but it's no bolt from the blue for growers". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  24. ^ "Goan cashew with unique taste & identity gets GI tag". The Times of India. 4 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  25. ^ "GI Tag for Goan Cashew: Unpacking the key details — an explainer - CNBC TV18". CNBCTV18. 16 October 2023. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  26. ^ "8 Amazing GI-Tagged Products From Goa to Bring Home With You". The Better India. Retrieved 5 November 2024.
  27. ^ "Goa Cashew Manufacturing Association (GCMA) | Business Goa". Retrieved 5 November 2024.
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