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Cashew

The cashew is a tropical evergreen tree, *Anacardium occidentale*, in the sumac family (Anacardiaceae).

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree in the sumac family (Anacardiaceae). It is cultivated for its edible seed, commonly called a cashew nut, and for the cashew apple. The species is native to tropical South America, especially Brazil, and is now grown in many tropical regions worldwide.

Description

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical evergreen shrub or tree in the family Anacardiaceae. It is known for its curved, kidney-shaped edible seed and for the cashew apple, a fleshy fruit-like structure attached to the seed.

Distribution and cultivation

The species is native to tropical South America and especially Brazil. It is now cultivated across many tropical regions, with major commercial production in countries such as India and Brazil.

Edible use and processing

The cashew seed is eaten roasted, cooked, or processed into snacks and ingredients. Because the shell contains irritating substances, commercial cashews are typically heat-treated before the shell is removed.

Botanical characteristics

Cashew is an evergreen species that can grow as a shrub or medium-sized tree. It belongs to the Sumac family, a diverse plant family that includes several economically and medicinally important species.

Key facts

  • Cashews are not true nuts; they are the edible seeds of the cashew tree.
  • The species belongs to the same plant family as mango and poison ivy.
  • The cashew tree produces a cashew apple and a single seed attached beneath it.
  • Commercial cashew cultivation is concentrated in tropical countries, including India and Brazil.
  • Cashew shells contain irritating compounds, so edible cashews are processed before sale.
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Canadian context

Cashews are widely available in Canada as a food crop imported from tropical producing countries and sold as snacks, ingredients, and plant-based dairy alternatives.

Frequently asked questions

Is a cashew a true nut?
No. The edible cashew is a seed, not a true nut.
Where are cashews native to?
Cashews are native to tropical South America, especially Brazil.
What plant family does the cashew belong to?
It belongs to the family Anacardiaceae, also known as the sumac family.
What is the cashew apple?
The cashew apple is the fleshy structure attached to the seed of the cashew tree.
Why are cashews processed before eating?
The shell contains irritating compounds, so the seed is heat-treated and shelled before sale.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/plant/cashew
    Supports: Scientific name, family, native range, and note that cashews are commonly called nuts though they are not true nuts.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashew
    Supports: General description as *Anacardium occidentale*, source of cashew nut and cashew apple, and native range in tropical South America.
  3. Kerala State Agricultural Co-operative Cadre — https://www.ksacc.kerala.gov.in/introduction_to_cashew.html
    Supports: Native range in northeastern Brazil and introduction to India in the 16th century.
  4. University of Florida IFAS — https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS377
    Supports: Pan-tropical distribution, leading producers, and frost-free tropical climate requirement.
  5. New York Botanical Garden — https://www.nybg.org/blogs/plant-talk/2009/08/exhibit-news/the-cashew-tree-a-resource-of-nuts-%E2%80%9Capples%E2%80%9D-and-even-break-linings/
    Supports: Cashew tree as source of nuts and cashew apple.