Cashew, Red (Anacardium occidentale)

Unique Fruit and Nut Tree with Dual Harvests

Common Names: Red Cashew, Cashew Apple, Cashew Nut Tree, Marañón, Caju, Cajuil
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin: Northeastern Brazil

The Red Cashew is a tropical evergreen tree known for its striking red fruit (cashew apple) and its highly prized cashew nut. This versatile tree not only produces one of the world's most beloved nuts but also a juicy, vitamin-rich fruit used in beverages, jams, and desserts. Native to Brazil, Red Cashew is now grown throughout the tropics, valued for its productivity and unique appearance. Its adaptability to various soils and climates makes it a rewarding addition to edible landscapes or food forest.

Cashew Apple: The bright red, pear-shaped cashew apple is juicy and slightly acidic, with a flavor often compared to a mix of mango and citrus. It is eaten fresh, pressed into juice, or processed into jams and fermented drinks. When harvest season comes, enjoy the Cashew Fruit’s waxy-smooth oval exterior, ranging from yellow to red, and its juicy, chewy, and somewhat spongy interior, rocking loads of calcium, iron, vitamin B1 and C. If you’re fearing scurvy, not to worry! The chewy, sweet Cashew Apple carries 5x the amount of Vitamin-C found in an orange, so soak up the nutrition!

Cashew Nut: Attached to the bottom of the cashew apple is the kidney-shaped nut encased in a hard shell. After processing to remove toxins, the nut becomes the familiar cashew, prized for its creamy texture and sweet flavor.

Foliage: The tree has broad, leathery green leaves and a spreading canopy, adding a lush, tropical feel to gardens.

Growth Habit: Red Cashew grows as a medium-sized tree, reaching 15-25 feet tall, with a broad canopy suitable for shade and ornamental purposes.