No, cashews are not peanuts.
Understanding the Difference
Cashews and peanuts, while both popular nuts, belong to entirely different botanical families. This key difference significantly impacts their characteristics and properties.
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Cashews are tree nuts: They grow on the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), a tropical evergreen. As stated in the provided reference, tree nuts include almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pecans, pistachios and walnuts. This means their growth process is entirely different from peanuts.
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Peanuts are legumes: Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) are actually legumes, meaning they are part of the same plant family as beans and peas. They grow underground, developing within pods in the soil.
This fundamental difference in growth and botanical classification means that cashews and peanuts have distinct nutritional profiles, allergenic properties, and culinary uses. While both are consumed widely and often grouped together, their origins and characteristics are vastly different.
