When we think of cashew nuts today, we think of delicious snacks, curries, or exports. But did you know that cashew was not originally from India? It was brought to Goa by the Portuguese in the 16th century — not just for food, but for a much more practical reason: land reclamation.
The Portuguese weren’t just traders and conquerors; they were also innovative agriculturalists. This article explores how and why they introduced cashew, and how this simple tree became part of a larger land management strategy that left a lasting legacy in India, especially in Goa.
Origin of Cashew: From Brazil to Goa
- The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is native to Brazil in South America.
- The Portuguese discovered it during their colonial expansion in Brazil and later brought it to Africa, India, and Southeast Asia through their maritime trade routes.
- In the mid-1500s, they introduced cashew to Goa, then a Portuguese colony.
Why Did the Portuguese Bring Cashew to Goa?
1. Land Reclamation and Soil Stabilization
- The Goan coastline had many sandy, erosion-prone areas unsuitable for farming or settlement.
- Portuguese engineers and agriculturists used cashew trees to reclaim coastal lands. Here's how:
- Cashew trees have strong, deep roots that help bind loose soil.
- They prevent soil erosion and protect against wind and water damage.
- These trees grow well in infertile and dry soils, which made them perfect for coastal land development.
Result: Over time, once-barren coastal lands became stable, green, and productive, opening up space for agriculture, plantations, and settlements.
2. Multi-purpose Tree for Local Economy
- Cashew trees provided more than just land stability:
- Cashew nuts became a popular food and trade item.
- The cashew apple (the fruit) was used to make fermented drinks.
- Cashew nut shell oil (CNSL) became important for industrial use (like in varnishes and lubricants).
Thus, cashew cultivation helped boost the local economy in Goa and later in Kerala and other parts of India.
Portuguese Contributions to Indian Agriculture and Food
Along with cashew, the Portuguese introduced several important crops to India that are now part of daily life:
| Crop | Origin | Use Today |
|---|---|---|
| Chili | Americas | Spice in almost every Indian dish |
| Potato | Americas | Staple in curries, snacks |
| Tomato | Americas | Base for gravies, sauces |
| Tobacco | Americas | Smoking and local rituals |
| Pineapple | South America | Eaten fresh, used in sweets |
| Papaya | Central America | Salad, digestion aid, fruit |
Strategic Importance for the Portuguese
- To expand usable land for plantations and settlements.
- To create profitable trade networks through high-value crops.
- To establish self-sufficient colonies that could produce and export food and resources.
What About Goa Sweets?
- Bebinca – A rich, layered dessert made with coconut milk, egg yolks, and ghee, is one of Goa’s most famous sweets, introduced and popularized during Portuguese rule.
- Many other Goan Catholic desserts owe their roots to Portuguese culinary traditions combined with Indian ingredients.
Legacy of Portuguese Agricultural Innovation in India
- Cashew is now one of India’s top exports — especially from Goa, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- India is one of the world's largest producers and processors of cashew nuts.
- The practice of using plants like cashew for land management is now part of sustainable farming and environmental conservation.
