Cashew Nut tree (Anacardium occidentale)

The cashew is a spreading evergreen tree growing to a height of 12 meters (40 feet), with leaves up to 20 centimeters (8 inches) long and 10 centimeters (4 inches) wide. Its trunk is often irregularly shaped, and its flowers are yellowish-pink. The leaves of the Cashew tree are spirally arranged with a leathery texture.

Its fruit is very easy to recognize because of its peculiar structure. The fruit is thick and pear-shaped, pulpy and red or yellow when ripe. This fruit bears a hard, green, kidney-shaped nut at its tip. This nut is smooth, shiny, and green or brown according to its maturity.

Where to find Cashew Nut tree plants

The cashew is native to the West Indies and northern South America, but transplantation has spread it to all tropical climates. They usually grow in areas with warm temperatures and high humidity, as well as well-draining soil. In the Old World, it has escaped from cultivation and appears to be wild at least in parts of Africa and India.

One helpful tip is to look for cashew fruit on the ground around the tree. The fruit is shaped like a bell and has yellow or red skin. Inside the fruit is a single cashew nut, which is surrounded by a toxic shell that must be removed before the nut can be eaten.

Be careful when searching for cashew nut trees, as the fruit and leaves contain a toxic substance called urushiol, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.

Edible parts of the Cashew Nut tree

The nut encloses one seed. The seed is edible when roasted. The pear-shaped fruit is juicy, sweet acid, and astringent. It is quite safe and considered delicious by most people who eat it (it is rarely sold in stores because its fragility makes it difficult to transport). The fruit of the Wild Cashew, a related plant, is poisonous unless it is cooked.

Note: The green hull surrounding the nut contains a resinous irritant poison that will blister the lips and tongue like poison ivy (which is why you never see Cashew Nuts sold in their shells). Heat destroys this poison when the nuts are roasted but you must take care because smoke from roasting the nuts can also irritate the lungs.

Other uses for the Cashew Nut tree

Wood: The wood from the cashew nut tree is used for making furniture, doors, windows, and even musical instruments. It is also popular in the construction industry due to its strength and durability.
Medicine: Different parts of the cashew nut tree have medicinal properties. For instance, the bark is used to treat toothaches and gum infections. The leaves are used to make tea that helps to reduce blood pressure and fight against free radicals in the body.
Insecticide: The oil extracted from the cashew nut shell is used as an insecticide to protect crops from pests and insects. It is also used in the production of soaps and cosmetics.
Fodder: The leaves and bark of the cashew nut tree are used as fodder for livestock. They are rich in protein and other nutrients that are essential for animal growth and development.
Fuel: The cashew nut shell is used as fuel for cooking and heating in some parts of the world. It burns slowly and produces a lot of heat, making it an efficient source of energy.