Cashew nuts are kidney-shaped seeds that grow at the bottom of the cashew apple, the false fruit of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). Known for their mildly sweet, buttery flavor and creamy texture, cashews are highly valued both as a nutritious snack and a versatile ingredient in cooking and baking. They are a rich source of heart-healthy monounsaturated fats, protein, and essential minerals such as copper, magnesium, zinc, and iron, providing numerous health benefits including supporting immune function, bone health, and metabolism.

Cashews are available in various forms including raw, roasted, salted, and flavored. Beyond snacking, they are used to make cashew butter, cashew milk, cheese alternatives, and even cashew cream. The nuts are also incorporated into cereals, nut bars, sauces, and desserts. Processing cashew nuts involves roasting or steaming to remove the hard shell that contains caustic oil, ensuring the edible kernel is safe to consume. Cashew by-products like cashew shell liquid are used industrially for varnishes and paints.

Overall, cashew nuts combine rich taste, healthful nutrients, and culinary versatility, making them a premium product favored worldwide