Where does the cashew nut come from?

The cashew nut, also known as the cashew, caju or cashew nut, is today one of the most demanded nuts worldwide. Behind its apparent simplicity as a snack lies a product with a fascinating botanical history, a complex agro-industrial chain, and an outstanding nutritional value. From the tropical coasts of northeast Brazil to the markets of Europe, Asia, and North America, the journey of the cashew nut illustrates the globalization of tropical agriculture. In a context where consumers seek healthy plant-based protein alternatives, the cashew nut occupies a privileged place: it provides beneficial monounsaturated fats, proteins, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin E. At the same time, its cultivation poses real challenges in terms of sustainability, labor conditions in processing, and pressure on tropical ecosystems. This article offers a comprehensive view of the cashew nut—from its biology to its impact on global markets—for producers, importers, nutrition professionals, and informed ...