Cashew or Cashew Nut is the fruit of the cashew tree, a tree native to tropical America. It is a drupe with a shell containing a caustic resin. Its almond is edible after being dried, heated and roasted. It thus ends up acquiring all its taste qualities and is then consumed as it is or served in cooking. It is sold grilled, salted or sweetened as an appetizer as an aperitif or in pastry shops.