
However, they can be more expensive than common cashews.Īt the end of the day, it really comes down to what you’re looking for in a cashew – sweetness or boldness, softness or firmness – and how much you want to spend. They’re also firmer in texture, making them ideal for cooking or baking. Malabar cashews are larger and have a bolder, nuttier flavor. They’re also generally cheaper, making them a good option if you’re looking to save money. The common cashew is typically smaller and sweeter than the Malabar, with a softer texture. Both have their own distinct flavor and texture, so it really comes down to personal preference as to which is best. There are two main types of cashews – the common variety and the more rare Malabar cashew. The sweet cashews are more commonly consumed, but both types are perfectly safe to eat. There are also two different varieties of edible cashews – the sweet variety and the bitter variety. The edible cashews are the “nuts” that we eat, and they come from the same tree as the inedible ones.
Apple inside cashew plant skin#
This substance can cause severe skin irritation, so it’s important to be careful when handling them. The inedible cashews are actually the seeds of the fruit of the cashew tree, and they contain a toxic substance called urushiol. There are two types of cashews – the edible ones that we all know and love, and the inedible ones. If you’re ever lucky enough to taste a fresh cashew nut, you’ll understand why these trees are so sought-after!Ĭredit: How Many Types of Cashews are There? Additionally, the leaves of the Anacardium occidentale are much larger than those of the Anacardium excelsum.ĭespite these differences, both types of cashew trees are prized for their nuts, which are used in a variety of dishes around the world. The Anacardium occidentale can grow up to 30 meters tall, while the Anacardium excelsum only reaches a height of about 15 meters. The main difference between these two types of cashew trees is their size.

Both types of cashew trees produce the same fruit, which is why they are often used interchangeably.

The former is more commonly found in South America, while the latter grows mainly in Africa. All four types of trees bear flowers that grow in clusters, but only the American and small-fruited varieties produce edible nuts.Ĭashew trees come in two different types: the Anacardium occidentale and the Anacardium excelsum. The first three are cultivated for their fruit, while the last is mostly found in the wild. microcarpa, or small-fruited cashew tree the A. There are four types of cashew trees: the Anacardium occidentale, or American cashew tree the A.
