Cashew

Growing

Growing cashew trees requires a commitment to warm, tropical conditions, as even a light frost will kill the plant. If you are planting in a container, look for dwarf varieties; these are much more manageable for home gardeners and can begin producing fruit after just one year, whereas traditional tall trees may take three years to start and much longer to reach a significant yield. When preparing your site, ensure the soil is well-draining and maintains a slightly acidic to neutral pH between 5.5 and 7.0.

Because the fruit does not ripen once it has been removed from the tree, you must wait until the cashew is fully ready to use before harvesting. The cashew apple itself is highly versatile and can be used for fresh eating, jams, or even fermented into vinegar and alcoholic beverages. Be extremely cautious when handling the shells, as they contain a natural resin known as cashew nutshell liquid that acts as a strong irritant to the skin.

For those interested in culinary uses, the kernels are excellent when used whole in curries or ground into a paste for rich sauces. If you are harvesting for the nuts, keep them unwashed to help with storage. You can keep your harvest at room temperature or in a cool, dark cellar.