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How is Raw Cashew Nut Processed? 

Cashew nuts are highly consumed all over the world. Its nutty, sweet flavor and rich texture are due to the right kind of processing. Yes, you heard that right. The process of getting cashew nuts from the tree to your table is more complex. It is mainly because cashews are not exactly a nut, these dry fruits are derived from a fruit called ‘cashew apple’. These dry fruits are underneath the hard shell/drupe of the cashew apple. So, in this post, we will discuss the intense process of removing cashew nut from the fruit and processing it. 

6 Steps to Process Cashew Nuts

Here the processing of cashew nuts is explained in 6 simple steps. 

Step 1: Fruit is Removed from the Tree

First of all, the fruit/ drupe is removed from the tree. One has to be very careful while doing this so that the drupe remains intact. The interior of the drupe is filled with many kinds of oils and liquids that can cause skin irritation. So, the process is followed carefully by the farmers, wearing gloves and long sleeve shirts so as to protect the skin in case the drupe breaks open.

Step 2:  Drupe is Either Dried or Frozen

Once the drupe is removed from the tree, it is placed under the sunlight so that all the acids or oil dries out, making it easier to crack open the drupe. It can also be done by placing the drupe in the freezer. Both processes will make the process of cutting open the drupe easier.

Step 3: Drupe is Roasted

After the drupe is free from all the oils, it is roasted over a fire or steamed in a boiler. This process is followed for over 20 minutes after which the hard outer shell becomes more soft and flexible. After the shell cools off, it is ready to be cut open. If you are roasting the drupe, you better do it in an open space as the fumes are toxic and can major health issues.

Step 4: Removing the Shell

Now that the shell is ready to be removed, workers will carefully cut it away. But still, it is essential to wear gloves and long-sleeved clothes in case there is still some oil or toxic residue inside. The kernel which is another shell, is carefully removed from the shell which contains the raw cashew nuts. These kernels are then washed so that there is no toxic oil residue left on them.

Step 5: Peel the Inner Shell 

Once the kernel has been washed, it is placed in an oven and heated at 60 degrees for 24 hours. This softens up the kernel’s inner shell and they can be easily peeled away. The workers have to ensure that during the process they do not break the cashews, as the whole cashew’s worth is more compared to the broken pieces. 

Step 6: Grading

After the cashew nut has been derived and washed, now comes the grading process. In this step, the cashew nuts are graded into several categories based on their size. The most expensive ones that those big and whole-sized ones. The broken ones are separated and sold as cashew pieces. Though the broken piece is not graded, the nutritional benefit of cashew nuts remains the same as the whole one.

Final Words

So, this is how the raw cashew nuts are processed before they reach market to your dining tables. These steps are not just to derive the dry fruit but it is also essential to ensure that the cashews are safe for consumption and nutritious. It is quite a challenging process that not every cashew manufacturer can pass through. However, R.K. Agro Processing not only offers crescent-shaped gems but also a pack of essential nutrients. If you want superior-grade cashew nuts, then you can surely rely on them. So, wait no more! Add this flavourful and healthy nut to your diet.

R.K. Agro Processing

R.K. Agro Processing uses a production and packing system that meets the required standards to ensure the freshness and deliciousness of the cashews. Our company makes sure to comply with the regulations to guarantee the quality of the cashews.