FoodFood InformationNuts
The cashew tree is native to South America, but India is by far the world's
largest producer of this nut. The cashew is of the same genus as the mango.
But unlike the mango, where the flesh of the fruit is used and the stone
is discarded, with the cashew it is the stone that is edible and the flesh
has no value.
Cashew nuts are never shipped to market in the shell. These nutmeats are
roasted and salted prior to being offered for sale. In recent years, due
to diets that discourage salt intake, unsalted cashews are available and
their sales show a steady annual increase.
Deamer 12/7/96