October 8, 2026
Are Cashews Related to Mangoes and Pistachios? Yes, Here's How
An unlikely family
A cashew nut, a ripe mango and a pistachio don't seem to have much in common. Yet all three belong to the same plant family, called Anacardiaceae. The cashew tree itself is known to scientists as Anacardium occidentale, and the family name even comes from 'Anacardium', the cashew's own genus.
Who else is in the family
Besides cashews, mangoes and pistachios, the family includes sumac, which is used as a sour spice in Middle Eastern cooking, and several trees that are known for causing skin rashes. Poison ivy and poison oak, for example, are close relatives. That last link is not a coincidence, as we'll see next.
Why the cashew shell can burn the skin
Plants in this family often produce an oily, irritating sap. In the cashew, that oil sits in the shell, between its layers, and it can blister skin in much the same way poison ivy does. It's why cashews are never sold in their shells, and why the nuts are heated and shelled with care before they ever reach a shop. You can read more in how Sri Lankan cashews are roasted.
The kernel inside is safe to eat. The irritating oil is in the shell, not in the nut, which is also why shop-bought cashews are fine to handle.
What the family has in common
These trees tend to thrive in warm climates, and many of them cope well with tough conditions. The cashew is a good example. It's known for growing in poor, sandy soils and dry weather where many other crops struggle, which is why it's grown in places like Sri Lanka's dry zone. We cover this in where cashew trees grow.
A note for people with allergies
Cashews and pistachios belong to the same family, and doctors often note that an allergy to one can go together with an allergy to the other. Mango is more distantly related, and the connection there is less common. If you or someone you're buying for has a tree nut allergy, don't guess: check with a doctor or allergy specialist. Our post on tree nut allergy and cashews covers what to look out for.
The tasty side of the family
On a happier note, the family gives us some of the world's favourite foods. If you like the creamy, buttery taste of a roasted cashew, you can try it plain in our Oven Roasted Cashew or lightly seasoned in the Classic Roasted Salt & Pepper.