The
cashew nut seed is a kidney-shaped snack surrounded by several toxic layers
intended to keep animals from gobbling it up. Outside the seed is a double
shell filled with anacardic acid, which causes a skin rash on contact. On the
bright side, the acid has medical uses -- it's mildly antibacterial and
antifungal, and it's sometimes used to relieve toothaches. The acid can also be
used to fight termites. In order to make the cashew seed edible, it's typically
roasted to neutralize the acid -- but roasters urge caution, because the smoke
that comes off the acid is itself toxic. Prior to becoming the rich beige we're
familiar with, the seed itself is green as seen above.
No comments:
Post a Comment