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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