Step 1: Harvesting Cashew Apples
Cashews grow at the base of the cashew apple, a tropical fruit found primarily in countries like Vietnam, India, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast. The cashew seed is the actual nut, attached externally to the fruit.
Harvest Season: Usually once a year during dry months.
Manual Collection: Workers handpick cashew apples from the ground.
Step 2: Drying the Raw Cashew Nuts
After harvesting, raw cashew nuts (RCNs) are sun-dried to reduce moisture content.
Sun Drying Duration: 2–4 days
Moisture Level Goal: Below 10%
Why it matters: Prevents mold, improves shell cracking quality
Step 3: Roasting or Steaming the Shell
Cashew nuts are enclosed in a toxic shell containing anacardic acid. This must be removed carefully.
Methods:
Drum Roasting: High heat cracks shells but may darken the kernel.
Steam Boiling: Preserves white kernel color; preferred by exporters.
Step 4: Shelling and Kernel Separation
After roasting or steaming, the hard outer shell is mechanically or manually cracked to extract the cashew kernel.
Mechanical Shelling Machines used in large-scale factories
Manual Shelling ensures precision but is labor-intensive
Step 5: Drying and Peeling the Kernels
Once extracted, the kernels are further oven-dried and then peeled to remove the thin brown testa (skin).
Hot Chambers/Ovens: Reduce moisture for safe storage
Peeling Machines or Manual Peeling used depending on grade
Step 6: Grading the Cashew Nuts
Cashew kernels are graded by size, color, and quality. The most popular grades include:
W320: Most common and export-friendly
W240, W180: Larger sizes, premium pricing
Broken Grades (LWP, SWP): Used in confectionery or baking
Step 7: Quality Check, Packaging & Export
Finally, kernels are inspected for quality, vacuum-packed to prevent oxidation, and boxed for shipment.
HACCP & ISO Standards often applied
Vacuum/CO₂ Packaging for long shelf life
From Local Farms to Global Markets
Cashew processing is a critical value-added stage that transforms a raw agricultural product into a high-demand global commodity. At every step, quality control, hygiene, and traceability are essential for building trust with buyers and meeting international standards.
Resources & References
Learn more:
=> About cashew plant and cashew nut industry
- Are Cashews Legumes? Let's find out here
- Cashew Flower: Everything You Need to Know
- Cashew Nut Shell Liquid (CNSL) or Cashew shell oil- How To Use?
- How to Choose a Reliable Cashew Nut Supplier: 7 Key Tips for Importers
- Vietnam vs India: Which Cashew Nut Origin Is Better for Importers?
=> About cashew's nutrition
- Are Cashew Nuts Good for Your Health? Health benefits, Nutrition, Risks, and Proper Consumption
- Are Cashew Nuts Friendly with Keto Diet?
- Are Cashews Poisonous? Everything You Need to Know
- Cashew Calories: Everything You Need to Know
- How Much Sugar Is in Cashews? A comprehensive answer
- Do cashews have lutein?
- Protein in Cashews - Everything You Need to Know
- How Much Resistant Starch In Cashews ?
- How Cashew Benefits for Males and Females
- Is cashew good for a pregnant woman?
- Can Dogs Eat Cashews? All good and bad sides and how to feed them safely
=> Delicious Recipes:
- Cashew Chicken [ Easy-to-Follow Recipe ]
- Cashew Milk [Simple Recipe You Can Do at Home]
- Cashew Butter [Easy-to-Make Recipe]
- How to Make Cashew Cheese Easily: A Simple Vegan Recipe
- Honey Roasted Cashews: Easily homemade snack
- Cashew Brittle: Easy Homemade Recipe
- How to Roast Cashews: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Tomato Cashew Pesto Sauce: A Creamy, Flavor-Packed Delight