Cashews are indeed considered false fruits.
Understanding False Fruits
A false fruit, also known as an accessory fruit, develops from the flower's receptacle, the part that supports the flower's ovary. The actual fruit, which is the seed, is enclosed within the fleshy receptacle.
The Case of Cashews
In the case of cashews, the fleshy part we eat is the cashew apple, which develops from the flower's receptacle. The cashew nut, the part we typically consume, is actually the seed enclosed within a hard shell.
Examples of Other False Fruits
Other examples of false fruits include:
- Apples: The fleshy part we eat is the receptacle, while the actual fruit is the core containing the seeds.
- Pears: Similar to apples, the fleshy part is the receptacle, and the seeds are found within the core.
- Strawberries: The fleshy part we eat is the receptacle, and the tiny seeds on the surface are the actual fruits.
Therefore, cashews are considered a false fruit because the edible part, the cashew apple, is not the true fruit but rather the fleshy receptacle. The cashew nut, which is the seed, is the actual fruit.
