How Do Cashews Grow: Cultivation, Care, and Nutritional Value of This Tropical Nut

Isn’t it fascinating that cashew is not a nut but a seed, and is grown attached to an apple on a tree? I was really intrigued by this unique design and wanted to grow one at home. 

To my surprise, learning how do cashews grow is easier than harvesting them because cashews are seeds that are inside the kidney-shaped shell, which is toxic until processed, such a gardening adventure this is! 

If you are also interested in relishing your home-grown cashews, let me take you through this comprehensive guide about how do cashews grow, along with some scientific facts: 

What is a Cashew? A nut or a Seed?

The cashew nut is, in reality, a seed of the cashew tree that grows attached to the bottom of the apple-like fruit it produces. Much like the honeysuckle flower, this tree is also an evergreen perennial that dies back in winter and returns every spring.  

Along with mango and pistachio, this fibrous nut is also part of the Anacardiaceae family that has over 860 species and 83 genera. 

Although native to East Brazil, Côte d’Ivoire is the largest producer of cashews. The cashew tree is a warm-season plant like the Kalanchoe and is hardy in zones 10- 11 and grows up to 46 feet tall. 

This drought-tolerant tree is easy to grow and maintain, but before I get into how do cashews grow, understand the taxonomy of the cashew tree for a better understanding: 

Botanical name	Anacardium occidentale
Kingdom	Plantae
Division	Magnoliophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Sapindales
Family	Anacardiaceae R. Br.
Genus	Anacardium L.
Species	Anacardium occidentale L.

What is the Nutritional Value of Cashew Nuts? 

Cashews are considered a rich source of protein and Vitamin E, which helps in boosting immunity and improving skin health. With years of research and usage of this nut, cashew has been a large part of all the healthy diets, hence dive in to know what the nutritional value of the cashew nut is according to the USDA. 

Nutrient	Value
Protein	17.4 g
Fat	38.9 g
Calcium	42 mg
Magnesium	251 mg
Phosphorus	532 mg
Iron	638 mg
Potassium	5 mg
Carbohydrates	36.3 g

How do Cashews Grow? Growth Requirements and Planting 

The cashew tree is a perennial drought-resistant plant like the barrel cactus, which can survive in arid conditions as well. 

Initially, even I was stuck with questions like where do cashews grow? Does cashew growing take more than 5 years? And if you, too, are stuck, let me clear all your doubts through my tried and tested planting guide: 

1. Select a fresh and healthy cashew nut that is ivory white and has a nutty smell. Remember, a cashew with a foul smell or deep yellow colour will not germinate. 

2. Prepare a well-draining, porous soil mix* for the plant and select a pot with sufficient drainage holes. 

   Soil Mix 1 part perlite 1 part compost 1 part sandy loam soil Mix all the ingredients well, and your cashew nut soil mix is ready!

3. Now take the cashew and sow it 1 inch deep in the oil and cover it with the potting mix, make sure it is not placed really deep in the soil. 

4. Water the seed and keep the soil moist throughout the growing season. 

5. Place your plant in direct sunlight as cashew trees lovesthe sun and 6 hours of direct sunlight is non-negotiable for them. 

6. After a few weeks, use a 10-10-10 NPK fertiliser to feed the plant, which will improve the yield quality better than you expected. 

7. Move to a larger pot according to the size to provide the plant enough space to grow. 

Ideal Growing Requirements 

To ensure success in  growing cashew nuts, it is important  to understand the ideal growing environments about the same: 

Soil Requirements	Sandy well-draining pH- 5.5- 7.0
Sunlight	6 hours of direct sunlight
Water	Moderately( keep the soil moist)
Fertiliser	10-10-10 NPK fertiliser
Planting season	Warm season (temperature between 25°C and 40°C)
Hardiness	10-11 USDA
Location	Outdoors mainly due to height, but can be grown indoors if pruned well up to 5 feet.

Note 

The cashew seeds take longer to fruit. I advise buying cashew potted plants with established roots to grow cashews with the same steps listed above. 

How to Care for the Cashew Nut Tree? 

If you are wondering, “How are cashews grown in the best way possible?” the answer is through mindful planting. 

Just like the Coneflower, the cashew tree is also a low-maintenance tree, but to avoid any damage, here are my 4 care tips for healthy cashew growth: 

Image	Care Tip
	Sunlight  The cashew tree requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily, like the baby breath flowers.
	Water  Although the cashew tree is a drought-tolerant plant, the soil needs to be constantly moist. Water it thoroughly every 4-7 days to maintain ideal growth conditions.
	Fertiliser  The cashew growth does not entirely rely on fertiliser as it requires minimal plant food, as is the case with the hyssop flower. However, a balanced 10-10-10 fertiliser once during the growing stage will enhance the quality of growth.
	Pruning Pruning cashew is best done after harvesting and is extremely beneficial to maintain the shape and remove the dead parts of the plants. Remove the extra foliage from the main stems to encourage better air circulation and light penetration.

How to Harvest Cashews After Planting?

Do cashews grow on trees? How to harvest cashews from trees? These questions leave gardeners in confusion and hassle that can be avoided. 

Let me take you through how I harvest my cashews after ripening at the right time: 

Image	Step
	The best time to harvest cashews is between February and May. As the cashew seeds are attached to a fruit called the “cashew apple”, harvest it when the fruit turns red, and the cashew pod is greyish.  Many people also wait for the fruit to fall and then separate the cashew nut from the fruit.
	After collecting all the cashews,* sun-dry them for 4 days, as this will release the moisture content.
	After sun-drying, the cashews are dry-roasted again to remove the toxic caustic oil to make them healthy for consumption.
	Allow the dry-roasted cashews to cool down, and use a knife to cut the cashew pod from the middle. The cashew is ready to be used.  Store them in a cool and dry place, and they can last up to 6 months or more.

The cashews contain a harmful toxin called the caustic oil, which can cause infections and allergies if not handled with care. Hence, wear gloves and harvest mindfully.

Common User Concerns and Solutions About Cashews

The cashew growth is often met with many questions regarding its consumption and care. 

While scrolling through Reddit, I came across queries that raise serious doubts about the cashew as a nut. Take a look and find out how to tackle such issues: 

1. How many cashews can I eat before it causes any kind of harm to my body?

   

   • The recommended cashew intake for a healthy adult is up to 15-20 cashews per day. 
   • It is important to remember that anything in excess will be harmful, and these nuts are high-calories which can lead to weight gain and also cause digestive discomfort. 

2. What a cashew looks like when picked, and they are poisonous! 

   

   • The picture features a cashew nut attached to the “cashew apple”, just after harvesting. 
   • Yes, the cashews are poisonous as the kidney-shaped shell contains the caustic oil, which is harmful and is removed through processing, which includes sun-drying and dry-roasting. 
   • Never consume the cashew without processing it, and always work around it wearing gloves and masks to protect your skin. 

Scientific Research and Findings About the Cashew Nuts 

Cashews are rich in Vitamin E, K, and fiber, which help boost immunity and helping maintain heart health. 

Despite years of claims and trust, I like to verify facts through scientific research and portals, and my research led me to the following lab findings.

Take a look at what scientific research says about the cashews : 

Research summary box 1  Study year: 2019 Aim: To analyse the effects of cashews on the Oxidative stress and Atherogenic Indices in Type-2 diabetes patients.  Sample type: 50 patients with type-2 diabetes  Key findings: The patients were randomly assigned to two groups:  Some were given cashews, some were not. After 8 weeks of observations, it was recorded that: The people treated with cashews saw a significant decrease in their insulin levels. However, the research stated that the HOMA-IR decreases in the cashew groups, but it was not clear whether this was due to cashews in particular. Hence, it was concluded that the insulin levels were significantly reduced, but further research is required to verify that cashews have a major effect on diabetic patients.  Source: National Centre of Biotenchnology Information

Research summary box 2  Study year: 2011 Aim: Antigenotoxic and Anticlastogenic Effects of Fresh and Processed Cashew Apple Juice Sample type: 30 Swiss mice divided into 6 groups, which were given the following treatment, respectively:  Control group Cashew apple juice Cajuina( processed cashew apple juice) Cyclophosphamide and cashew apple juice Cajuina and Cyclophosphamide Cajuina Key findings:  Both the fresh and processed cashew apple juice were effective in protecting the cells against the effects of Cyclophosphamide, which is a medication given during Cancer. The cashew apple juice has antigenotoxic and anticlastogenic effects and was able to act against DNA damage. Source: Journal of Medicinal Food

Wrapping Up

Cashews have been a large part of our diet and cuisine globally for decades, especially because of the nutritional benefits amd high -protein content. 

Growing cashews has taught me how unique and easy the planting of such a nutritious nut is, not ignoring the fact that cashews essentially are not even a nut, but a seed. 

Learning how to grow the cashew nut tree is the most rewarding journey I have experienced as a gardener because not only can I enjoy the delicious cashews, but the juicy cashew apples as well. 

FAQs 

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