Yes, a cashew is a seed.
Understanding Cashews: Seeds, Not Nuts
While commonly referred to as a nut, the cashew is botanically classified as a seed. More specifically, it's a drupe seed. The cashew develops at the bottom of a cashew apple, which is the fruit of the cashew tree. This means the "nut" we eat is actually the seed contained within the fruit.
- Botanical Classification: Cashews are correctly categorized as seeds, resolving any ambiguity about their true nature.
- Culinary Usage: Despite their botanical classification, cashews are often grouped with nuts in culinary contexts due to their similar texture and flavor profile.
- Drupe Seed: The classification of cashew as a drupe seed highlights its unique structure and development within the fruit.
The statement "Cashews are classified as seeds and are specifically considered drupe seeds. The cashew tree produces a fruit called the cashew apple, and the cashew nut is the seed that grows at the bottom of this fruit. While cashews are often associated with nuts, botanically they are seeds and more specifically drupe seeds." perfectly encapsulates the botanical reality of the cashew.
