Cashew is an evergreen tree growing in the tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. Although it is native to the Americas, it is now naturalized in much of Asia and in Kerala the Kollam district is famous for the best quality Cashew Nuts.

The trees flower in December, producing an oblong fruit called a “cashew apple” with the nut seed at the bottom.  In Kerala the cashews are harvested from February to April.