Did you guess correctly?
The answer is cashew.
Unlike most nuts, cashews don't grow inside a fruit. Instead, they grow outside it, attached to the bottom of a colorful fruit called the cashew apple.
Once you see it, you'll never look at a cashew the same way again.
(Insert large image of a cashew apple with the cashew attached.)
Why Does a Cashew Grow Outside the Fruit?
Most tree nuts, like walnuts and almonds, develop inside a protective shell that's enclosed by the fruit.
Cashews are different.
The juicy, pear-shaped part is called the cashew apple. Hanging from the bottom is the kidney-shaped shell that contains the cashew we eat.
It's one of the most unusual ways any edible nut grows.
There's One More Surprise...
The shell surrounding a raw cashew contains natural oils that can irritate the skin.
That's why cashews are never sold in their shell and must be carefully processed before they're safe to enjoy.
The creamy cashews in your pantry have already gone through this process.
Where Do Cashews Grow?
Cashew trees thrive in warm tropical climates.
Today they're grown in countries such as:
- Vietnam
- India
- Brazil
- Ivory Coast
- Tanzania
Each tree produces both the colorful cashew apple and the familiar cashew nut.
Fun Cashew Facts
🌰 Cashews grow outside the fruit, not inside.
🍎 The cashew apple is edible and often made into juice, jams, and preserves where it's grown.
🥜 Cashews are technically seeds, even though we commonly call them nuts.
🌳 A mature cashew tree can produce fruit for decades.
Why We Love Organic Cashews
Cashews are naturally creamy with a mild, buttery flavor that makes them incredibly versatile.
They're perfect for:
- Snacking right out of the bag
- Homemade trail mix
- Stir-fries
- Salads
- Creamy sauces and soups
- Dairy-free cashew cream
- Baking
Whether you're cooking dinner or grabbing a quick snack, organic cashews are an easy pantry staple to keep on hand.
Try Them Yourself
If today's Pantry Challenge made you hungry, our Organic Raw Cashews are carefully selected and USDA Certified Organic.
Whether you're roasting them, blending them into a creamy sauce, or enjoying them straight from the bag, they're a delicious way to stock your pantry with wholesome ingredients.
Keep the Challenge Going
Enjoyed this Pantry Challenge?
Keep an eye on your inbox. We'll occasionally share another surprising question about the foods you eat every day.
You might discover something you've never noticed before.
-SunOrganic Farm
