The pulp of the cashew apple is edible and has a sweet, slightly acidic flavor. It can be eaten fresh or used in jams, jellies, and other preserves. The seeds are also edible and have a nutty flavor. They can be roasted and used as a snack or added to salads and other dishes for extra crunch.

Enjoy the fruit by biting into it like an apple, or by cutting it into slices. The fruit does not require peeling and has no core needing removal. Note: Do not attempt to eat the raw nut, as it must undergo extensive treatment to become nontoxic.

Before consuming your cashew fruit, you should wash it well to remove any dirt or debris. You can then cut it into small pieces or slices and remove the seed before eating it. Cashew fruit can be eaten on its own, added to salads, or used as a topping for pancakes and other desserts. It also can be used to make jams and jellies.

Although the cashew apple can be eaten raw, many people find the acidic, astringency of the juice unpleasant. However, if you enjoy strong flavors then slice the fruit into thin pieces to make the stringy texture more palatable. Brazilian locals will often sprinkle salt on each slice to help balance out the bitteress.