Cashews, with their unmistakable crescent shape and rich, buttery flavor, are a global favorite which we source primarily from the lush landscapes of Tanzania and Vietnam. Unique in the nut world, cashews grow as part of the cashew apple, attached at the lower end of this exotic fruit. This positioning makes cashew cultivation a distinctive process. In both Tanzania and Vietnam, cashews are grown in coastal areas where the climate is ideal for nurturing these nuts to perfection.
The harvesting of cashews is a labor-intensive task, requiring precise timing to ensure the nuts are picked at the peak of ripeness. Once harvested, cashews undergo a meticulous process of drying, shelling, and roasting, a journey that transforms them from raw nuts into the crunchy, delightful treats known worldwide. The shells of cashews contain a caustic resin, known as cashew balm, which must be carefully removed during processing, making their preparation both challenging and unique compared to other nuts.