HARVEST, POST HARVEST, HANDLING & STORAGE OF RAW CASHEWNUTS. The cashew apple does not abscise from trees naturally when ripe. Maturation occurs over several weeks during the dry season. Nuts are collected from the ground by hand. Frequent passes through the plantation must be made if apples are to be utilized, as they are highly perishable. Rain at harvest may increase rot and stimulate nut germination.
Cashew nut Processing Overview
Manufacturer, Supplier, Exporter of Machinery for Cashew nut Processing Overview from Kudal, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra, India.
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Cashew Nut Processing Overview
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Post Harvest HandlingThe presence of caustic cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) in the shells makes cashew processing difficult and hazardous. Nuts are dried in the sun on hard ground such as concrete yards. They should be spread evenly and turned constantly for proper drying, which takes 2–3 days. Dried nuts are stored in jute bags above the floor on wooden dunnage. Avoid direct contact of nut bags with the floor. Warehouses should be well-ventilated and maintain low humidity.
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Processing of Raw Cashew Nuts
- Steam Cooking
- Shelling
- Drying of Kernels
- Peeling
- Grading
- Filling
- Packing
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ShellingNuts are de-shelled by hand using leg-operated cutters. The nut is placed between blades contoured to its shape. Pressing the pedal pierces the shell, and the handle splits it. The kernel is then separated from the shell for drying.
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Drying of Unpeeled KernelsKernels are dried in tray dryers to remove moisture and tanning content, aiding in easy peeling. Dry at 70°C for 6–7 hours.
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Post Harvest Handling (Repeat)The presence of caustic cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) in the shells makes cashew processing difficult and hazardous. Nuts are dried on hard ground under the sun with constant turning for 2–3 days. Store dried nuts in jute bags above the ground on wooden dunnage. Ensure the warehouse has good ventilation and low humidity.
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Processing of Raw Cashew Nuts - Companies
- Vedika Overseas Tradex Pvt. Ltd - Hariyana, Delhi
- Directorate of Cashew Research - Puttur, Karnataka
- Valpai Valley Botanicals Pvt. Ltd., Valpoi - Goa
- Pooja Cashew - Nashik
- KUDUMBASHREE - Govt. of Kerala
- K.P. Agro Pvt. Ltd. - Kanchipuram, Chennai
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Shelling - Overseas Customers
- Senslo Sarl. - Dakar, Senegal
- Nature Race investment Pvt Ltd. - Gabarone, Botswana
- Langrand, Pereira Y Cia. - Leon, Nicaragua
- High Grade Cashew - Par-es-Salam (Tanzania)
- Director of Empowerment Corporation, Martin Mulumba - Zambia
- Wepe Nigeria Ltd - Nigeria