On Sun, 28 Mar 2004 "Dr.Teotonio R. de Souza" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>wrote... > To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>, "Goa Research Net" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > I am tjhankful for two serious suggestions: cashew (-nut?) and abolim. I am > looking forward to a more meaningful and productive debate. > > BTW, according to documented references, there is no cashew presence in Goa > prior to the first quarter of the 17th century. > > Teotonio R. de Souza
According to the records, the cashewnut kernel was first eaten only in the twentieth century in India and was first exported only in 1926. Surprising at it may seem today, cashew is a New World tree, i.e. of American origin and hence not known to ancient Europe or Asia, hence the name Anacardium occidentale [occidente = West]. The tree was introduced into Africa to control soil erosion on copper mine dumps and from there brought to Goa for the same purpose in Iron ore mine dumps. The cashew seed does not have a long viability to sustain a long journey from its native Brazil to Goa on a sail boat of the 16 or 17 century A.D. There is an Art Linkletters Dictionary of the Improbable which defines a 'mushroom' thus: "If you ate a toadstool and did not die; it must have been a mushroom!" A hungy[starving?] Indian must have discovered the edibility of the cashewnut the same way. The cashewnut and the cashew feni well represent the heart and spirit of Goan'ness! Viva. Viva Goa. Miguel --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.543 / Virus Database: 337 - Release Date: 11/22/2003 ########################################################################## # Send submissions for Goanet to [EMAIL PROTECTED] # # PLEASE remember to stay on-topic (related to Goa), and avoid top-posts # # More details on Goanet at http://joingoanet.shorturl.com/ # # Please keep your discussion/tone polite, to reflect respect to others # ##########################################################################