Nerkowca

Nerkowca is a term of Polish origin that refers to a type of nut. The nut itself is commonly known in English as the cashew nut. Cashews are native to northeastern Brazil and are now cultivated in many tropical regions around the world, including Vietnam, India, and parts of Africa.

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) produces a fruit called a cashew apple, and attached to the bottom of this apple is the cashew seed, which is what we commonly refer to as the cashew nut. The shell of the raw cashew nut contains a toxic oil, cardol, which is removed through roasting or steaming before the nut is consumed. This processing is crucial for safety and palatability.

Cashew nuts are a popular snack and are also used in a variety of culinary applications. They can be eaten roasted, salted, or unsalted, and are a key ingredient in many dishes, particularly in Asian and Indian cuisines, where they are used in curries, stir-fries, and desserts. Cashew butter is also a common alternative to peanut butter. Nutritionally, cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals, including copper, magnesium, and zinc. The term "nerkowca" therefore directly translates to the edible kernel of the cashew tree.