Definition

1. Noun:
   • The edible seed of the cashew tree: A small, kidney-shaped nut that is the true fruit of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). It is commercially important and is eaten as a snack or used in cooking.
   • A culinary ingredient: The nut is known for its rich, buttery flavor and is commonly used in confectionery, baked goods, and savory dishes like stir-fries and curries.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • She added chopped cashew nuts to the cookie dough for extra crunch.
  • The recipe calls for a garnish of roasted cashew nuts.
  • Cashew nut allergies are among the most common tree nut allergies.

Advanced Usage

• Botanical context: The cashew nut is not a true nut in the botanical sense; it is the seed of the cashew apple, which is an accessory fruit. The nut grows attached to the bottom of the cashew apple.
• Processing note: The raw nut is surrounded by a toxic shell liquid containing urushiol. Therefore, cashew nuts are always sold shelled and heat-treated (roasted or steamed) to make them safe for consumption.

Variants and Related Words

• Cashew (noun): Often used interchangeably with "cashew nut" to refer to the seed itself.
  • I bought a bag of salted cashews.
• Cashew apple (noun): The fleshy, pear-shaped accessory fruit to which the cashew nut is attached. It is also edible and used in beverages and jams.

Synonyms

• Cashew kernel: A more technical term for the edible seed after processing.
• Anacardium nut: A rare, scientific synonym derived from the genus name.

Notes on Meaning

• The term "cashew nut" specifically refers to the edible seed. The word "cashew" alone can refer to the entire tree, the nut, or sometimes the cashew apple, depending on context. In culinary contexts, "cashew" is typically understood to mean the nut.

Noun

1. kidney-shaped nut edible only when roasted