Cashew nuts are actually the kidney-shaped seeds that adhere to the bottom of the cashew apple, the fruit of the cashew tree, which is native to the coastal areas of northeastern Brazil. 

You have probably noticed that cashews in the shell are not available in stores. This is because these nuts are always sold pre-shelled since the interior of their shells contains a caustic resin, known as cashew balm, which must be carefully removed before they are fit for consumption. This caustic resin is actually used in industry to make varnishes and insecticides. Today, the leading commercial producers of cashews are India, Brazil, Mozambique, Tanzania and Nigeria.

Cashews are an excellent source of copper, and a good source of phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and zinc.  Continue reading →