The cashew tree (Anacardiumoccidentale) is a tropical evergreen tree that produces the cashew seed and thecashew apple.The cashew seed, often simply called a cashew, is widely consumed.It is eaten on its own, used in recipes, or processed into cashew cheese orcashew butter. The cashew apple is a light reddish to yellow fruit, whose pulpcan be processed into a sweet, astringent fruit drink or distilled into liquor.
The shell of the cashew nutyields derivatives that can be used in many applications from lubricants topaints, and other parts of the tree have traditionally been used for snake-bitesand other folk remedies. Health Benefits of the Cashew Nut: Prevents Cancer,Healthy Heart, Lowers High Blood Pressure, Healthy Bones, helps in Weight LossAnti-oxidants etc.
Cashew shell oil extractedfrom the shells is caustic and causes burns on the skin. The mucous membranesof the mouth and throat are severely affected when it comes into contact withshell oil or the irritating fumes emitted during roasting. The oily shellliquid has many uses.