What Is A Cashew Apple & Does It Have Any Health Benefits?

Cajú, alcayoiba, anacardo, cajuil, Indian nut, marañón, pepa, or merey are some of the most common global names associated with cashews. Although technically a seed, cashew nuts are the most popular part of the tree—beloved for their creamy texture, high-fat content, and nutrient-rich profile.

Despite the nuts' dietary praise, their apples (or pseudo fruits) remain mostly out of the spotlight. The cashew apple—or the plump part of the cashew fruit, connected to the cashew nut—looks like a mini, oval-shaped boxing glove. Botanically speaking, cashew apples are so-called accessory fruits because they grow after cashew seeds have fully developed. Thus, the actual drupe or peduncle is the kidney-shaped shell enclosing the edible cashew nut, which you'll find at the end of the apple.

Cashew trees are native to Brazil's and Venezuela's tropical zones and have been growing wild since ancient times. Their introduction to coastal India and Mozambique began in the 16th century, thanks to Portuguese seed traders, and eventually expanded farther into Asia and Africa. Today, cashew trees are found globally across most warmer regions, with India and Vietnam leading the world's cashew production.

Cashew apples' rich astringent taste stems from its pectin-adhered1, waxy skin infused with a chemical oil called urushiol. Every member of the Anacardiaceae family of trees (think sumac, mangoes, Peruvian peppers, pistachios, poison ivy, and yes, cashews) contains urushiol in all parts of the plant, which is why cashews are never sold in their toxic shell and are often roasted at high temperatures to eliminate any residual oil.

"There are definitely some benefits, including vitamin C and fiber," says nutritionist Ginger Hultin, M.S., RDN, author of Anti-Inflammatory Diet Meal Prep. 

"Cashew apples are also high in a compound called tannins, just like coffee, tea, and red wine," says Molly Knudsen, M.S., RDN. "Tannins are responsible for giving these foods a somewhat bitter and astringent taste and are also associated with numerous health benefits." Think: fighting inflammation, protecting brain health, and supporting healthy blood sugar levels.

Cashew apples are a South American–derived fruit linked to potential wellness-supporting perks. While it has been widespread for millenniums, more comprehensive research is necessary to confirm the cashew fruit's health effects and potential applications.