Cashew, Red (Anacardium occidentale)
Unique Fruit and Nut Tree with Dual Harvests
Common Names: Red Cashew, Cashew Apple, Cashew Nut Tree, Marañón, Caju, Cajuil
Family: Anacardiaceae
Origin: Northeastern Brazil
The Red Cashew is a tropical evergreen tree known for its striking red fruit (cashew apple) and its highly prized cashew nut. This versatile tree not only produces one of the world's most beloved nuts but also a juicy, vitamin-rich fruit used in beverages, jams, and desserts. Native to Brazil, Red Cashew is now grown throughout the tropics, valued for its productivity and unique appearance. Its adaptability to various soils and climates makes it a rewarding addition to edible landscapes or food forest.
Cashew Apple: The bright red, pear-shaped cashew apple is juicy and slightly acidic, with a flavor often compared to a mix of mango and citrus. It is eaten fresh, pressed into juice, or processed into jams and fermented drinks. When harvest season comes, enjoy the Cashew Fruit’s waxy-smooth oval exterior, ranging from yellow to red, and its juicy, chewy, and somewhat spongy interior, rocking loads of calcium, iron, vitamin B1 and C. If you’re fearing scurvy, not to worry! The chewy, sweet Cashew Apple carries 5x the amount of Vitamin-C found in an orange, so soak up the nutrition!
Cashew Nut: Attached to the bottom of the cashew apple is the kidney-shaped nut encased in a hard shell. After processing to remove toxins, the nut becomes the familiar cashew, prized for its creamy texture and sweet flavor.
Foliage: The tree has broad, leathery green leaves and a spreading canopy, adding a lush, tropical feel to gardens.
Growth Habit: Red Cashew grows as a medium-sized tree, reaching 15-25 feet tall, with a broad canopy suitable for shade and ornamental purposes.
Plant Type:
Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter
Mature Size:
Up to 10-30 ft. tall
Soil & Moisture:
Rich, moist well draining-soil
Be careful not to over-water
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Cashew Trees are grown from seed and are capable of producing fruit within 3 years.
Growing Guide for the Red Cashew Tree
Climate and Location
- Ideal Climate: Thrives in tropical and subtropical regions with temperatures above 50°F. Protect from frost and cold snaps in cooler zones by planting in a container and moving indoors during winter.
- Sunlight: Prefers full sun, needing at least 6-8 hours daily for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.5). Avoid heavy, waterlogged soils.
Planting Tips
- In-Ground Planting: Choose a sunny, sheltered location with good airflow. Space trees 20-25 feet apart.
- Container Growing: Use a large, well-draining pot with quality potting soil mixed with sand or perlite.
Care and Maintenance
- Watering: Regular deep watering during establishment (first year). Reduce frequency once the tree is mature, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) during the growing season and supplement with micronutrients like zinc and magnesium for healthy growth.
- Pruning: Trim annually to remove dead wood and shape the canopy for air circulation and light penetration.
- Pollination: Flowers are self-pollinating but benefit from cross-pollination by bees and other pollinators.
Harvesting
- Nuts: Cashews ripen on the tree. Harvest when the cashew apple is fully colored and the attached nut shell is hard.
- Apples: Pick ripe cashew apples to enjoy fresh, juiced, or fermented into tropical beverages.
Propagation and Time to Harvest
- Propagation: Grown from seeds or grafted saplings for faster fruiting. Our Red Cashew Trees are grafted for reliable performance.
- Time to Fruit: Trees start producing nuts and apples in 2-3 years when grown under optimal conditions.
Add a tropical centerpiece to your food forest with the Red Cashew Tree and experience the joy of growing your own nuts and fruit. Whether you're a seasoned grower or starting your edible garden, this versatile tree is sure to become a favorite.
Shop Now to bring the Red Cashew Tree to your backyard and transform your landscape into a thriving oasis!
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