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Sunday, 2 May 2010

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I’m loved by hoteliers and exporters alike

I am a native of Brazil. During my infant days my family members migrated to Asian countries. Especially to tropical countries such as Malaysia, India, Pakistan and Indonesia, while my parents decided to go to Sri Lanka. Once you reach Puttalam off the main road and bump over three miles of rough road, you venture down Puttalam-Mannar road and enter a bountiful plantation.

The trees were like nature’s umbrella, the rows of trees with its low canopies forming shady archways along the way. A man who owns even only five such trees is a man of independent means. They supply him with enough food for the year - oil, milk and material - to build a comfortable home to live.

This place where my parents settled down is known as Eluvankulam. Stepping into the growth of trees was like venturing into a tunnel of sorts. The trees do not grow to great heights and the heavy canopies cast a web of shadow. I grew under good care as I reached adolescence.

It takes up to two months from the time of flowering for trees to bear fruits. I undergo many changes and workers at various locations of the vast acres attend to the many needs of the plantation. One could see our fruits at various stages of growth including the ripened ones drooping heavily from the branches.

The fleshy hood of cashew apple has the seed curled at its end, is the seed that grows first while the cashew apple develops later between the seed and the stem. The fruits are not plucked but are collected from the ground once they ripen and fall. It’s only then that the seeds containing the kernels of the cashew nuts are properly matured. Those seeds are then separated from the cashew apple.

The workers scan the ground collecting these seeds into pots. Next, I am taken and spread out in the sun and dried before extracting the white kernel. The kernel is covered with yet another layer of skin which has to be removed before it can be finally eaten. The white kernel known as ‘Cadju’ a favourite snack among locals as well as tourists is easily perishable.

On the main Kandy road, a village known Bataleeya one would spot a picturesque site of ‘Cadju’ stalls. Not only the excellence of cashew nuts, the colourful pictures revealed at night by the flames at which there are roasted but the charms of the sellers themselves betel reddened lips, loose raven hair, colourful cloth and jacket, open necklines, tanned complexion and the buxom contours of their own golden flesh.

I at times participate in functions, gatherings and cocktails where men and women use me as a palatable delight.

I can also be cooked as a thick curry or eaten as plain crushed pieces or nuts as a whole. I can be added as a ingredient or sprinkled on top a finishing touch give a distinctive enhanced taste to a variety of desserts.

My favourite customers are the leading hoteliers, exporters who loves me so much as a palatable delight which offers a heady sweet taste.

 

 

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