Overview: Anacardium occidentale, commonly known as the Cashew Tree, is a tropical evergreen tree native to Brazil and widely cultivated for its commercially valuable nuts, cashews, and the cashew apple. The cashew tree plays a significant role in the agricultural economy of tropical regions around the world, especially in India, Vietnam, and Africa, which are leading cashew producers. Cashew nuts are widely consumed as a snack and used in various culinary applications due to their rich, buttery flavor and nutritional benefits.
Edible Products: The tree produces two important products: the cashew nut and the cashew apple. The nut is encased in a hard shell and is rich in fats, proteins, and essential nutrients. The cashew apple is a juicy, astringent, and fragrant fruit that is often used in beverages and jams.
Nutritional Value: Cashew nuts are packed with healthy fats, protein, fiber, vitamins E and K, and minerals such as magnesium, copper, and phosphorus. They are known for promoting heart health, boosting immunity, and supporting bone and skin health.
Distinctive Appearance: he cashew tree has broad, leathery leaves and produces a red or yellow cashew apple. The kidney-shaped cashew nut grows outside of the apple in a green shell, which contains caustic compounds that are removed before the nut is processed and consumed.
