Happy National Cashew Day

November 23^rd is National Cashew Day, and we’ve got some interesting facts about one of our favorite nuts!

Cashew trees are in the sumac family, and the shells contain urushiol, the same irritant in poison ivy! Because of this, cashews must be cooked or roasted before being consumed.

The cashew tree is native to Brazil. Portuguese sailors introduced it to India in the mid 1500’s.

The English name ‘cashew’ derives from the Portuguese name for the fruit of the tree, ‘caju.’

The cashew tree also produces a false fruit, the cashew apple. It is not an apple at all, rather the stem of the nut, not an actual fruit. It is edible, and is used to make liquor, juices, jams, and jellies.

Vietnam is the world’s largest producer of cashews.

Americans love cashews! Over 90% of the world’s cashew crop is consumed in the United States.

Cashews are low in sugar and rich in healthy fats, fiber, and protein! They are a good source of copper, magnesium, and manganese!

Cashews are approximately 46% fat, 25% carbohydrates, and 21% protein.

Cashews are in the same family as mangoes and pistachios.

The shell of the cashew contains derivatives that have been used in lubricants, waterproofing, paints, and arms production.

Craving cashews now? Check out our bulk offerings here!