Can I eat raw cashews?

No, raw cashews must be processed to remove the toxic shell oil.

How long until it fruits?

Grafted trees can produce fruit in 2 to 3 years.

Plant guide

Cashew.

Anacardium occidentale

Pronounced an-uh-KAR-dee-um ok-si-den-TAY-lee

Also known as Cachou Nut, Cachou Nut Tree, Cashew, Cashew Apple, Cashew Tree, Cashew-Nut Tree, Korocho Nut

The cashew is a tropical evergreen tree that produces both a delicious nut and a fleshy fruit called a cashew apple. It is native to Brazil and thrives in warm, frost free climates. You will find it is quite a unique specimen for a home garden if you have the space.

Another photo of Cashew — Photo by Ericson Cernawsky Igual (CC BY-SA) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Tropical evergreen tree
Light: Full sun
Indoor light: Direct sun
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: 10 to 12 meters
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late winter to spring

Care

This tree needs plenty of sun and well draining soil to stay happy. Watch for yellowing leaves which might signal poor drainage or nutrient deficiencies. Keep an eye out for pests like aphids or scale during the growing season.

Watering: Water deeply once the top few inches of soil feel dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced fertilizer during the active growing season to support fruit production.
Pruning: Prune during the dormant season to remove dead wood and maintain a manageable shape.
Repotting: Repot only when the tree has clearly outgrown its container, as it prefers to be somewhat root bound.
Soil: Sandy or loamy well draining soil
Soil pH: 5.0 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 35°C
Humidity: 60 to 90%
Drought tolerance: High
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 20 to 30 years in cultivation.
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots circling the bottom of the pot
Stunted growth despite fertilization
Soil drying out too quickly

Safety

People: The shell of the cashew nut contains anacardic acid and cardol, which cause severe skin irritation and blistering.
Pets: The shell of the cashew nut contains urushiol, which can cause skin irritation and is toxic if ingested by pets.
Children: Keep children away from the raw nuts, as the shells contain caustic oils that can burn the skin and mouth.
Contact allergens: The sap and the oil within the nut shell contain urushiol, which causes contact dermatitis.
Airborne allergens: The smoke from burning the shells contains toxic, irritating compounds that can damage the lungs.
Edibility: The raw shell of the nut contains caustic urushiol oil that must be removed through roasting or steaming before consumption.

How to identify it

Large, leathery, oval shaped leaves
Small, fragrant, pinkish flowers
Bright red or yellow cashew apple
Kidney shaped nut attached to fruit

Height: 6 to 12m
Spread: 4 to 10m
Leaves: green, evergreen
Flowers: pink, yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: red, yellow, Summer

Problems to watch for

AnthracnoseCommon
Tea Mosquito BugCommon
Leaf SpotUncommon
Root RotUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Stem BorersUncommon
ThripsUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: seed, grafting, air layering
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Protect from any frost, as the tree is strictly tropical and will suffer damage below 10 degrees Celsius.
In containers: It is generally too large for long term container growth unless kept as a bonsai.

Seed propagation

1. Select fresh, mature seeds.
2. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours.
3. Plant in well draining soil.
4. Keep warm and moist until germination.

Intercropping with smaller tropical fruits helps maximize space in young orchards.

Grows well with

Mango · They share similar tropical climate requirements and soil preferences.
Pineapple · Pineapples can be grown in the partial shade provided by young cashew trees.

Similar species

Mango · Both are members of the Anacardiaceae family.

Science

Family: Anacardiaceae
Genus: Anacardium
Order: Sapindales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northeastern Brazil
Conservation: This species is widely cultivated and not considered threatened in its native range.

It thrives in sandy, well drained soils and is highly adapted to tropical coastal environments.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: culinary nut, fruit juice, wood production, tanning agent

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 5/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 8/9
Temperature: 9/9
Moisture: 4/9
Nutrients: 3/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Can I eat raw cashews?: No, raw cashews must be processed to remove the toxic shell oil.
How long until it fruits?: Grafted trees can produce fruit in 2 to 3 years.

Where the name comes from

The genus name Anacardium refers to the heart shape of the fruit, while the common name cashew comes from the Portuguese caju.

Good to know

Cashews are not true nuts but seeds that grow outside the fruit.
The cashew apple is high in vitamin C.
Brazil is a primary center of diversity for this species.
The shell oil is used in industrial applications like brake linings.

Also in

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.