Native to north-eastern Brazil, these evergreen plants can grow as tall as 45 feet. The cashew nut grows on the bottom of a fruit, which is called a cashew apple and is also edible. However, cashew apples rot very quickly and can be consumed only close to the harvest site as it is touch-sensitive. It is commercially used for making a variety of alcohol called Feni. 

Cashew nuts are high in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, manganese, zinc, phosphorus, and copper.