The tree produces a long, fleshy stalk, called a cashew apple, which resembles a small pear. At the end of this stalk grows the kidney-shaped cashew nut that many know and love. … Instead, cashews are typically dried and roasted, a process that rids the nut of toxic oils and leaves its shell brittle and easy to remove.

Why are cashews so bad for you?

High Oxalate Content: Cashews have a relatively high oxalate content. When eaten in large quantities, this can lead to kidney damage and other chronic health problems. Raw Cashews Unsafe: Roasted cashews are not only more delicious, but they’re also safer too.

Can you eat the cashew apple?

Mature cashew trees grow red or yellow pear-shaped drupes called cashew apples. … The cashew apples, which are edible but highly perishable, are collected. The cashew nuts, still in their shell, are removed from the ends of the fruits and may be dried in the sun, depending on the manufacturer’s process.