National Cashew Day, observed on November 23, is the perfect opportunity to give this small but mighty “nut” the attention it deserves.
The day highlights what makes cashews unique—from their place at the base of the cashew apple to the careful processing required to remove their toxic shell.
It also reflects their long journey from northeastern Brazil to kitchens around the world, where they now appear in everything from snacks and stir-fries to dairy-free sauces and desserts.
ℹ️ Did you know there are several national days dedicated to nuts? A few examples include National Chocolate-Covered Cashews Day on April 21st, National Almond Day on February 16, and Grab Some Nuts Day on August 3rd. 🥜🌰
When is National Cashew Day Celebrated?
National Cashew Day rolls around every year on November 23, making it the perfect time to enjoy all things cashew. Below is a quick overview of when National Cashew Day will be celebrated each year through 2030.
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | November 23, Sunday |
| 2026 | November 23, Monday |
| 2027 | November 23, Tuesday |
| 2028 | November 23, Thursday |
| 2029 | November 23, Friday |
| 2030 | November 23, Saturday |
Lesser-Known Facts About Cashews
Cashews have a few surprising traits that rarely come up in everyday conversations:
- Cashews grow in an unusual way: The seed sits at the bottom of a cashew apple, a pear-shaped fruit widely used in Brazil, where the tree first grew naturally.
- Cashew apples bruise easily: The fruit attached to the seed is soft and fragile, which is why it’s rarely exported. It’s mainly enjoyed fresh in countries where cashews grow.
- They’re seeds, not nuts: Cashews come from the same plant family as mangoes and poison ivy, but the edible seed is safe once processed. Eating large amounts may influence blood sugar levels.
- A global crop: After spreading from Brazil in the 1500s, cashew cultivation expanded across tropical regions, especially India, Vietnam, and Nigeria.
- Two harvest products from one tree: Cashew farmers use both the seed and the cashew apple—turning the apple into juices, jams, and fermented drinks.
- Steam processing is essential: Before cashews become edible, they are steamed or roasted to break down the toxic oils in the shell. This is why “raw” cashews in stores are actually heat-treated.
- Cashew shells have industrial uses: The shell oil is used in brake pads, lubricants, and even some types of resin.
- The trees thrive in harsh conditions: Cashew trees can grow in poor, sandy soil and tolerate long dry seasons, making them valuable crops in regions with challenging climates.
Fun Ways to Celebrate National Cashew Day
You don’t need to go far to celebrate National Cashew Day. In fact, there are plenty of fun and easy ways to enjoy cashews in your daily life. Here are some ideas to help you make the most of this nutty holiday:
- Keep it simple and snack on cashews throughout the day. Roasted, salted, or plain, they make for a great treat.
- Cashews work well in both savory and sweet recipes. Toss them into a stir-fry for added crunch, use them in a creamy cashew sauce, or sprinkle them on top of desserts like brownies. Or, use them as a substitute for fried shrimp!
- If you haven’t already, National Cashew Day is the perfect time to try cashew-based alternatives. Cashew milk is a creamy, dairy-free drink, and cashew butter makes for a tasty spread on toast or in sandwiches.
- Get creative in the kitchen and experiment with your favorite cashew recipes. From cashew chicken to vegan cashew cheesecake, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to share your creations on social media with the hashtag #NationalCashewDay!
There’s no wrong way to celebrate, so grab a bag of cashews and get creative in the kitchen or simply snack away!
