Cashews

Cashews are soft, buttery nuts shaped like curved commas. They grow on tropical trees in hot countries. Each cashew grows in a strange way, hanging from the bottom of a red or yellow fruit called a cashew apple. Cashews taste slightly sweet and creamy.

Cashew Trees

Cashew trees first came from Brazil. Today, they grow in tropical countries like India, Vietnam, and parts of Africa. The trees are not very tall, but they spread out wide. Each cashew hangs below a cashew apple, with the nut on the outside instead of the inside. The cashew shell contains a liquid that can irritate your skin, so the nuts must be carefully roasted before you can eat them.

Eating Cashews

Cashews are a popular snack and can be eaten roasted or salted. They are used in many dishes, especially in Indian and Asian cooking. Cashew butter is creamy and tasty on bread. Cashew milk is a favorite dairy-free drink. These nuts have lots of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium.

Fun Facts

• Cashews are never sold in their shells because the shells contain a harmful oil.
• A cashew apple can be eaten, too, and tastes sweet and a bit tangy.
• Vietnam is one of the biggest producers of cashews in the world.

Did You Know?

Cashews are related to poison ivy, which is why their shells contain an oil that can make your skin itch if you touch it.