Cashew Trees: Complete Guide to Growing & Harvesting

Most people only know the cashew nut. But cashew trees are fascinating plants with a surprising secret: the nut is only a small part of the story.

What Is a Cashew Tree?

Anacardium occidentale is a tropical evergreen tree native to Brazil. Here in Lombok, cashew trees thrive in our warm climate.

• Height: 10-12 meters typical
• Lifespan: 30+ years productive
• Yield: 20-30 kg nuts per tree annually

The Strange Anatomy

The cashew nut hangs outside the fruit, not inside. What we call the "cashew apple" is actually a swollen fruit stem.

Growing Cashews

Requirements

• Tropical climate (no frost)
• Temperature: 20-30°C ideal
• Well-drained sandy or loamy soil

Processing the Nut

This is why cashews cost what they do:

1. Drying the nuts
2. Roasting to release shell oil
3. Manual shelling
4. Peeling and grading

The Forgotten Apple

Most farms discard the apple after removing the nut. But it's edible, nutritious, and delicious when prepared properly.

At Mawun Valley Farm, we grow cashew trees and use both nuts and apples. Message us on WhatsApp