Cashew
Think you know cashews? Think again! These nutty delights have a wild side that might just surprise you. From toxic shells to fruity sidekicks, here’s a fun and fascinating look at everyone’s favorite snack nut.
It’s Not Really a Nut! Cashews are technically seeds, not true nuts. They grow on the bottom of the cashew apple—a juicy, pear-shaped fruit that’s popular in tropical countries.
The Cashew Family Is… Weirdly Diverse. Cashews belong to the Anacardiaceae family—alongside the sweet mango, fragrant mastic tree, delicious pistachio, vibrant staghorn sumac, bold smokebush, and even poison ivy: a notorious toxic plant.
The Shell Can Hurt You Cashew shells contain urushiol—the same irritant found in poison ivy. That’s why “raw” cashews in stores are actually steamed before sale.
They’re Related to Almonds and Pecans (Sort Of) While not in the same family, cashews share culinary fame with almonds, black walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts.
One Nut Per Fruit Unlike other tree nuts that grow in clusters, each cashew apple produces just one nut. That’s one reason they’re relatively expensive!
Cashew Apple = Tropical Juice Star The tangy, vitamin C-rich apple is a popular ingredient in juices, jams, and even wine in countries like Brazil and India—though it’s rarely exported fresh.
From toxic shells to tropical treats, the cashew is full of surprises. Next time you enjoy that creamy nut or dairy-free milk, remember—you’re eating something with a seriously wild family tree!
