Cashews are a crowd-favorite snack, but what most people don’t know is that they aren’t considered a nut but are categorized as a seed of a fruit!
Cashews grow on evergreen trees that are connected to the colorful fruit, a cashew apple, rather than inside a shell like peanuts or walnuts.
This is why cashews are one of the most unique snacks you can find!
What Are Cashews?
Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) come directly from cashew trees, which are native and primarily grown in coastal Brazil.
Cashews grow on the cashew apple, hence their categorization as a fruit. Cashew apples are an edible fruit, similar to apples, but are juicy and sweet!
Where Are Cashews Produced?
While they naturally grow in Brazil, the popularity of this earthy snack has increased, and they are now grown around the world for commercial use. Côte d’Ivoire is the world's largest producer of cashews, producing over 1,000,000 metric tons in 2023, followed by India producing 782,000 metric tons, and Vietnam producing 347,000 metric tons of cashews.
Cashews have the capabilities to grow in other locations, such as the United States, but they require specific weather conditions to grow properly. These conditions consist of extreme heat, such as in tropical climates, 6-8 hours of sun per day, and high humidity.
Cashews are quite picky!
How Are Cashews Harvested from Tree to Snack?
Similar to many other fruits, the cashew apples will fall from their trees when they are ready to be eaten, but the cashew seed itself undergoes a different journey.
The cashew is twisted or cut off from the bottom of the fruit so it can be sold and enjoyed by locals and nearby sellers.
The cashew itself is encased in a hard shell that contains a natural oil or toxin known as urushiol, which is what is found in poison ivy.
This can cause skin irritation, so it must be removed before consumption.
The cashews are either steamed or roasted until the shell becomes softer to crack open. Once the shell is completely off, the cashews are dried for many hours until the thin layer of skin can be removed.
From here, they are ready to be exported right to your grocery stores and kitchen tables!
Cashews are not just a simple snack to make you feel happy and full, but are packed with nutritional values, such as heart health, bone strength, and blood sugar management.
With a variety of recipes and ways to incorporate their nutty, earthy flavor, and have a unique journey from the tree to your snack!
If you’re looking to elevate your snacking choices and go beyond simple cashews, Earthside Farms has what you need with two different flavors of candied cashews!
The Blueberry Vanilla Cashews or Coconut Caramel Cashews are crowd-favorites and perfectly pair the naturally irresistible taste and crunchy texture of cashews for flavorful combinations!