The cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a kidney-shaped seed that comes from the cashew tree, a tropical evergreen native to Brazil but now grown in many warm climates around the world. It grows at the end of a fleshy, pear-shaped structure called the cashew apple. The cashew seed is encased in a hard shell containing a toxic resin, which must be carefully removed before the nut is safe to eat.
Cashews have a rich, buttery flavor and a slightly soft yet crunchy texture. They’re often eaten roasted and salted, blended into nut butters, or used in both sweet and savory dishes — from stir-fries and curries to desserts. Nutritionally, cashews are a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins E and K, and minerals like magnesium and copper.
