Anacardium occidentale
Family: Anacardiaceae
Cashew Nut, Cashew Apple, Caju
Origin: Brazil
The actual fruit is the nut, the apple is a swollen stem. Cashew apple is eaten fresh or stewed. Has a sweet-astringent taste. Nut itself is caustic until roasted. Must be roasted outdoors because fumes are irritating. Very fast growing under favorable conditions, it may fruit in container, within 2 years from seed. Tolerates very poor soil and drought, as well as salty wind. Very cold sensitive.
