Cashew Classification Explained: A Complete Guide to Cashew Fruit, How to buy

Cashew classification refers to the scientific categorization of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), a tropical evergreen plant that produces both a fruit (cashew apple) and a seed (cashew nut).

If you’ve ever enjoyed a handful of buttery cashews, you might be surprised to learn that they’re not actually nuts! Yes — the cashew, one of America’s favorite snacks, comes from a tropical fruit tree with a fascinating botanical story.

🌿 What Is Cashew? A Quick Overview

The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is an evergreen tropical tree native to Brazil. Today, it’s widely cultivated in India, Vietnam, Nigeria, and other tropical regions.

What makes cashews so special is that they produce two parts:

🍎 Cashew Apple vs. Cashew Nut

The cashew apple is a false fruit (also called an accessory fruit) — it’s an enlarged stem that supports the real fruit. It’s rich in vitamin C and used to make juices, jams, and even fermented drinks in tropical countries.

The cashew nut, on the other hand, is the true fruit (seed). Once removed from its shell and roasted, it becomes the creamy, delicious cashew we all know and love.

🌱 Scientific Cashew Classification

Let’s look at how scientists classify the cashew plant in the biological hierarchy:

Rank	Classification
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Angiosperms (Flowering plants)
Class	Eudicots
Order	Sapindales
Family	Anacardiaceae (Cashew or Sumac family)
Genus	Anacardium
Species	Anacardium occidentale

The cashew scientific name is Anacardium occidentale L. — where “L.” refers to Carl Linnaeus, the botanist who first described it.

“You can learn more about visiting by USDA Plant Database – Anacardium occidentale.”

🌿 Family Anacardiaceae Explained

The Anacardiaceae family includes over 80 genera and 860 species, many of which produce fruits we love — and some that are toxic!
Notable relatives of cashew include:

• Mango (Mangifera indica)
• Pistachio (Pistacia vera)
• Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans)

This family is known for plants that produce resins and oils, some of which can cause skin irritation. That’s why raw cashews are never sold with their shells — they contain a compound called urushiol, also found in poison ivy.

Nutritional Benefits of Cashew

Cashews are not just delicious — they’re nutritional powerhouses.

“Learn more about Almond and Cashew Nuts Benefits at this article”.

💪 Macronutrients (per 100g)

• Calories: ~553 kcal
• Protein: 18 g
• Fat: 44 g (mostly healthy unsaturated fats)
• Carbs: 30 g
• Fiber: 3.3 g

🌿 Micronutrients

• Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function
• Copper: Helps with energy production
• Zinc: Boosts immunity
• Iron: Supports red blood cell formation

Cashews are also cholesterol-free and may improve heart health when eaten in moderation.

” Learn more about 10 incredible benefits of Cashews at this article“.

🌸 Cashew Fruit and Its Unique Structure

The cashew tree grows to about 30–40 feet (10–12 meters) and thrives in warm, humid climates.

🍏 Cashew Apple: A Tropical Treasure

The cashew apple has a bright red, orange, or yellow color. It’s juicy, tangy, and rich in vitamin C — even higher than oranges.
In Brazil and India, the apple is used to make cashew juice, vinegar, and feni (a fermented spirit).

🌰 Cashew Nut Shell and Kernel

The shell of a cashew nut contains cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) — a toxic, oily resin. This resin must be removed through roasting or steaming, which also helps loosen the seed inside.

Once extracted, the cashew kernel is roasted, peeled, and packaged for consumption.
These kernels are rich in protein, healthy fats, and minerals, making them one of the healthiest snacks on the planet.

🌍 Cashew Production and Global Distribution

Cashew production has grown into a multi-billion-dollar global industry, connecting farmers from tropical regions with snack lovers around the world. The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), originally native to Brazil, is now cultivated across Asia, Africa, and South America.

🌾 5.1 Top Cashew-Producing Countries

According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), over 4 million tons of raw cashew nuts are produced globally each year. The majority come from tropical regions between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, where the warm climate supports steady harvests.

1. India

India is one of the largest producers and exporters of cashew nuts. The coastal states of Kerala, Goa, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu dominate cashew farming, benefiting from ideal weather and centuries of cultivation knowledge.
India also leads in cashew processing and packaging, turning raw cashew nuts into the roasted, salted, or flavored varieties found worldwide.

2. Vietnam

Vietnam has become a global leader in cashew processing and exports, thanks to advanced technology and large-scale operations.
Although some of its raw cashews are imported from Africa, Vietnam’s processing plants handle a significant portion of the world’s supply — exporting premium-quality kernels to the U.S., Europe, and Japan.

3. Nigeria

Nigeria is one of Africa’s top raw cashew producers, with over 300,000 tons produced annually.
Most Nigerian cashews are exported unprocessed to Asia for shelling and roasting. However, local initiatives are growing to build domestic processing facilities, which could greatly benefit rural farmers.

4. Brazil

As the birthplace of the cashew tree, Brazil remains a major contributor to the global cashew market.
The northeastern states of Ceará, Piauí, and Rio Grande do Norte produce the majority of the country’s crop.
Brazilian cashew apples are also processed into juices, jams, and wines, showing how local industries use every part of the fruit.

🌰 5.2 The Harvesting Process

Cashew harvesting is a labor-intensive but rewarding process. Each cashew apple bears a single nut that grows externally from its base.

Here’s how the process works step-by-step 👇

🥭 1. Collection

Cashew apples naturally fall from the tree when ripe. Farmers handpick the fruits from the ground and separate the nuts from the apples. The apples are often used immediately for juice or fermentation due to their short shelf life.

🌞 2. Drying

The cashew nuts are then sun-dried for several days to reduce moisture. This helps preserve them for storage and prevents mold.

🔥 3. Roasting or Steaming

Before the nut can be eaten, it must be roasted or steamed to remove the toxic cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL), which contains urushiol — the same irritant found in poison ivy.

• Drum roasting: Traditional open-fire method.
• Steam roasting: Modern, safer method used by large processors.

🧤 4. Shelling and Peeling

After roasting, the shell becomes brittle and can be cracked open. Workers then peel off the thin skin (testa) to reveal the clean cashew kernel.

🧂 5. Grading and Packaging

The kernels are sorted by size, color, and quality before being roasted again (optional) and packed for export.
Premium cashews are graded as W-180, W-210, W-240, and W-320, depending on size and appearance.

🍳 Culinary and Industrial Uses of Cashew

🍹 Cashew Apple Products

The cashew apple is one of the most underrated tropical fruits in the world. While most people recognize the cashew nut as the star of the tree, the cashew apple — the colorful, pear-shaped false fruit — is a nutrient-packed gem often used to create a variety of delicious and refreshing products.

🧃 1. Cashew Apple Juice

One of the most popular products made from cashew apples is cashew juice — known for its sweet-tart flavor and high vitamin C content (often higher than oranges!).

The juice is typically extracted from freshly collected apples, filtered, and either pasteurized or fermented. In Brazil, it’s commonly sold as “Suco de Caju”, a tropical favorite known for its refreshing taste and natural health benefits.

Health Benefits of Cashew Juice:

• Boosts immunity (rich in Vitamin C)
• Supports hydration and digestion
• Contains antioxidants that help fight free radicals

In India and parts of Africa, the juice is also blended with mango or pineapple for a tropical fruit punch — perfect for warm-weather refreshment.

🍯 2. Cashew Apple Jam and Preserves

The fibrous pulp of the cashew apple makes it perfect for jams, jellies, and chutneys. These preserves have a unique sweet and slightly tangy flavor, making them excellent companions for bread, pancakes, and even grilled meats.

Homemade cashew apple jam is a traditional delicacy in Goa (India) and Northeastern Brazil, often cooked slowly with sugar and spices like cinnamon or clove.

It’s not just delicious — it also reduces food waste by using fruit that would otherwise spoil quickly after the nut is harvested.

🍷 3. Cashew Apple Liquors and Fermented Drinks

Cashew apples are also used to make fermented beverages and spirits, giving local communities both cultural and economic value.

• Feni (India): A traditional Goan liquor made by fermenting and distilling the juice of cashew apples. Feni is known for its strong aroma and smooth, fruity flavor.
• Cajuína (Brazil): A non-alcoholic beverage made from clarified cashew apple juice, filtered and sterilized, offering a sweet and caramelized flavor.
• Cashew Wine: In Africa and Southeast Asia, fermented cashew apple juice is turned into cashew wine, a light and fruity drink similar to cider.

These beverages play an important cultural role — they’re often shared during festivals, celebrations, and local gatherings.

🧴 4. Cashew Apple Vinegar and Syrup

Fermented cashew juice can also be processed into vinegar, which is used in cooking, salad dressings, and natural remedies. The mild acidity gives it a tropical tang, similar to apple cider vinegar.

Some regions also produce cashew apple syrup, a concentrated, shelf-stable sweetener made from boiled juice — ideal for desserts, ice cream, and cocktails.

🛒 Where Can I Buy Cashews in the USA

Cashews are among the most popular tree seeds (often called “nuts”) in the U.S., and they’re available almost everywhere — from grocery aisles to tropical plant nurseries.
Whether you’re looking to enjoy roasted cashews as a snack or grow your own cashew tree, here’s everything you need to know about where and how to buy cashews in the USA.

🥜 1. Buying Cashew Nuts for Eating

Cashew kernels are widely available across the U.S. and come in many forms — roasted, salted, raw (steam-treated), or flavored.
Here’s where you can find the best-quality cashews:

🛍 Grocery & Retail Stores

• Whole Foods Market: Offers organic and fair-trade certified cashews.
• Trader Joe’s: Known for affordable, high-quality dry-roasted cashews.
• Costco & Sam’s Club: Ideal for bulk purchases at a lower cost.
• Walmart / Target: Stock both conventional and organic cashew varieties.

Tip: Always check the label — look for “steam-roasted” or “pre-roasted” cashews, since raw cashews (unprocessed) are unsafe to eat due to urushiol in their shells.

🌿 Online Retailers

Buying cashews online gives access to specialty and ethically sourced options:

• Amazon: Carries dozens of brands — from Kirkland Signature to Terrasoul Superfoods.
• Nuts.com: Known for fresh, premium-grade cashews in bulk.
• Thrive Market: Specializes in organic, vegan, and sustainably sourced nuts.
• Vitacost & iHerb: Offer organic cashew snacks, cashew butter, and cashew milk powder.

Pro Tip: Choose brands that mention origin transparency (India, Vietnam, or West Africa) and ethical sourcing.

🍫 Cashew-Based Products You Can Buy Online

Cashews are used in dozens of health and vegan food products, such as:

• Cashew butter
• Cashew milk
• Cashew-based vegan cheese
• Cashew protein bars and desserts

These products are often available from Whole Foods, Amazon, and Plant-based brands like Forager Project, Elmhurst, and Miyoko’s Creamery.

🌱 2. Buying Cashew Trees or Seeds (for Growing)

If you’re interested in cultivating your own cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), there are several reputable U.S. nurseries that ship live cashew plants and seeds.
Cashew trees thrive in warm, humid climates (USDA Zones 9–11), making them ideal for states like Florida, Texas, California, and Hawaii.

Here are some recommended nurseries:

🌴 Top Nurseries to Buy Cashew Trees in the USA

Nursery	Location	Highlights	Website
Everglades Farm	Homestead, Florida	Offers live red and yellow cashew trees, nationwide shipping	everglades.farm
Guacalina Nursery & Broker	Homestead, Florida	Sells tropical fruit trees including Anacardium occidentale	guacalina.com
Louie’s Nursery & Garden Center	Miami, Florida	Offers tropical and exotic fruit trees	louiesnursery.com
Sow Exotic Nursery	Lakeland, Florida	Ships tropical fruit trees including cashew seedlings	sowexotic.com

Buying Tips for Cashew Trees:

• Check USDA Zone Compatibility: Cashew trees prefer tropical climates. If you live outside Zones 9–11, grow your tree in a large container indoors or in a greenhouse.
• Choose grafted or seed-grown trees depending on your patience and space — grafted trees bear fruit faster.
• Ask nurseries about fruit color (red or yellow) and age at fruiting (usually 2–3 years).

💡 3. Factors to Consider When Buying Cashews

Whether you’re buying nuts or trees, pay attention to:

• Origin & Quality: Premium cashews often come from India, Vietnam, or West Africa.
• Processing: Always choose roasted or steam-processed nuts.
• Certifications: Look for organic, non-GMO, or fair-trade labels.
• Storage: Store cashews in airtight containers away from heat or light to maintain freshness.

📦 4. Recommended Online Cashew Brands (for Consumers)

Brand	Product Type	Website
Terrasoul Superfoods	Organic raw cashews, cashew butter	terrasoul.com
Nuts.com	Roasted and unsalted cashews, bulk options	nuts.com
Now Foods	Organic cashew nuts and nut mixes	nowfoods.com
365 by Whole Foods	Organic roasted cashews	wholefoodsmarket.com

🌎 Sustainable Shopping Tip

Choose ethically sourced cashews whenever possible.
Cashew harvesting and shelling can be labor-intensive, so buying from fair-trade certified or ethically audited brands helps support better conditions for farmers, especially in developing regions.

Look for these certifications on labels:

• Fairtrade International
• Rainforest Alliance
• USDA Organic

Conclusions

The cashew’s journey — from flowering tree to global superfood — shows just how intricate and interconnected nature can be.
Understanding cashew classification not only deepens our scientific knowledge but also helps us make better choices as consumers: choosing sustainable, ethically sourced cashews, and appreciating the craftsmanship that goes into every seed.

Whether you’re buying a bag of roasted cashews or planting your own tree, you’re joining a centuries-old story rooted in tropical beauty, cultural diversity, and scientific wonder.

You can find roasted or raw cashews almost anywhere in the U.S.:

• Whole Foods Market, Trader Joe’s, and Costco carry organic and fair-trade cashews.
• Online options like Nuts.com, Amazon, and Thrive Market offer bulk and gourmet varieties.
• Look for labels that say “steam-roasted,” “organic,” or “fair-trade” to ensure safety and sustainability.