Harvesting Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts are a popular snack and ingredient used in many different cuisines around the world. They are harvested from the cashew tree, which is native to Brazil but is now grown in many other countries, including India, Vietnam, and Nigeria. In this article, we will explore the process of harvesting cashew nuts.

1. When to harvest cashew nuts?

Cashew nuts are ready for harvest when the cashew apple, which is a pear-shaped fruit, turns pink or red. This usually occurs in the early part of the dry season, around November or December in many countries.

2. Harvesting cashew nuts

Cashew nuts are harvested by hand, as the trees are usually too tall to shake the nuts off. The nuts are found at the bottom of the cashew apple, which is picked from the tree and then dropped to the ground.

3. Removing the cashew apple

Once the cashew apples have been harvested, they are then separated from the nuts. This is usually done by hand or with a machine, which removes the apple and leaves the nut intact.

4. Drying cashew nuts

After the cashew apples have been removed, the nuts are then spread out to dry. This can be done in the sun or using mechanical dryers. The nuts need to be dried quickly, as they can spoil easily if they remain moist.

5. Roasting cashew nuts

Once the cashew nuts have been dried, they are then roasted to remove the outer shell. The roasting process also gives the nuts their distinctive flavor.

6. Shelling cashew nuts

After the nuts have been roasted, they are then shelled to remove the outer shell and reveal the edible cashew kernel. The shell contains a toxic oil that can cause skin irritation and should be handled with care.

7. Grading cashew nuts

The cashew kernels are then graded based on size, shape, and color. This process ensures that only the best quality cashew nuts are sold to consumers.

8. Packaging and distribution

Once the cashew nuts have been graded, they are then packaged and sent to market for sale. Cashew nuts are exported to many different countries and are used in a variety of recipes, from sweet to savory.

In conclusion, harvesting cashew nuts is a labor-intensive process that involves many different steps, from picking the cashew apples to roasting and shelling the nuts. The process requires careful attention to detail to ensure that the cashew nuts are of the highest quality. Once the nuts have been harvested and processed, they are a popular snack and ingredient used in many different cuisines around the world.