Are the cashew apple and cashew seed on the same fruit?
On a cashew tree, the kidney-shaped true fruit develops at the end of the fleshy structure called the cashew apple.
Structure, development and life cycle
The cashew apple is an accessory fruit formed from swollen floral tissues. Its attached hard true fruit contains the edible seed. Shell layers hold caustic oils, so unshelled cashews cannot be opened at home like ordinary nuts. Commercial products labeled raw may still have undergone safe shell removal and heat treatment.
Growing, uses and cautions
The tree grows in warm frost-free climates and drained soil; although drought-tolerant later, it needs regular water while young. Flowering and fruit set depend on cultivar, weather and pollinators. The cashew apple spoils quickly and is rarely seen far from production regions. Safe handling of processing waste matters for worker and environmental health.