National Cashew Day

National Cashew Day, celebrated every year on November 23, is a cheerful food holiday that honors the creamy, crunchy cashew and its journey from tropical orchards to snack bowls, stir-fries and desserts around the world.

History of National Cashew Day

National Cashew Day is a modern food observance that began appearing on U.S. holiday and “fun day” calendars in the early 2000s and 2010s as a way to recognize one of the most popular snack nuts. Although the original creator is not clearly recorded, the day has settled firmly on November 23 as an annual celebration of cashew flavor, nutrition and versatility.

The story of the cashew itself goes back much further. The cashew tree is native to northeastern Brazil, and in the 16th century Portuguese traders carried it to India, Africa and other tropical regions, where it adapted well to warm coastal climates. Over time, cashews became important crops in countries such as India, Vietnam, Brazil and Ivory Coast, and a familiar ingredient in many Asian and global dishes.

Why is National Cashew Day important?

National Cashew Day draws attention to a small seed with a big global footprint. Cashews show up in simple snack mixes, rich curries, stir-fries, desserts and plant-based alternatives like cashew milk and cashew cream, so this holiday highlights how one ingredient can connect different cuisines and eating styles.

The day also underscores the nutritional and economic value of cashews. They provide healthy fats, protein and minerals such as copper and magnesium, and they support millions of people involved in growing, harvesting and processing them across the tropics. Taking a moment to celebrate cashews can nudge people toward more mindful, sustainable and appreciative eating.

• It encourages people to explore cashews beyond basic salted snacks.
• It reminds snack lovers that cashews support farmers and workers in many countries.
• It highlights the nutrient profile of cashews as part of a balanced diet.
• It helps people discover cashew-based alternatives like butter, milk and sauces.
• It adds a light, tasty moment of joy to the late-November calendar.

How to Celebrate National Cashew Day

Celebrating National Cashew Day can be as easy or as creative as anyone likes. Some people keep it simple with a bowl of roasted cashews, while others use the date as an excuse to test a new recipe, like a cashew stir-fry, cashew-based vegan cheese or a traditional dessert that uses ground cashews for richness.

The day can also be a small reminder to think about where food comes from. Choosing fair-trade or responsibly sourced cashews, reading a short article about cashew farming or sharing a cashew dish with friends or coworkers can turn a lighthearted food holiday into a more thoughtful moment of connection.

• Snack on plain, roasted or lightly spiced cashews during the day.
• Try a new cashew-focused recipe, such as cashew curry or cashew-based pasta sauce.
• Use cashew milk or cashew cream in coffee, smoothies or desserts.
• Put together a small “cashew tasting” with different flavors or roasting styles.
• Look for ethically sourced cashews and learn a quick fact about how they are grown.

National Cashew Day Dates Table