cashewnut

The cashew tree, Anacardium occidentale, is a tropical evergreen tree native to northeastern Brazil. It produces a brightly colored, pear-shaped accessory fruit called a cashew apple, and from this grows a kidney-shaped drupe, the cashew nut. The cashew nut is botanically a seed, enclosed within a double-layered shell. This shell contains a caustic oil, cardol, which must be removed through processing before the nut is edible. Cashews are not typically sold in their shells due to this toxicity.

The edible cashew kernel is obtained after roasting and shelling the drupe. This process renders the toxic oil harmless. Cashew nuts are a popular snack food, often eaten roasted and salted, and are also used in a wide variety of dishes, including curries, stir-fries, and desserts. They are a significant source of dietary minerals such as copper, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, zinc, and iron, and are rich in healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Vietnam and India are among the largest producers and processors of cashews globally. The cashew apple itself is also edible and can be consumed fresh, juiced, or used in jams and alcoholic beverages.