A plant originated from Brazil; one of the popular ingredients that have made its way into different Indian gravies, cashew, and the nut of cashew is very high in minerals. Brought in India by traders, the tree of cashews grow up to exceptional heights that have an irregular trunk. Cashews are also an essential part of our festive celebrations. There are plenty of health benefits of cashew nuts to our body and majorly to the brain. According to NIIR Project Consultancy Services (NPCS), in India, Maharashtra is leading in cashew production with a 32.3% share. It is being cultivated widely throughout the tropics for its kernels. The domestic market also demands two-third of cashews overall productions. The business of the cashew nut processing unit has become a profitable business, and hence a lot of entrepreneurs are getting attracted by this industry.
Types of Cashew Products
The tree of cashew is multipurpose. The product of cashew has a wide range of uses. The kernel of the cashew nut, the cashew apple, and even the leaves of the cashew tree are edible. Almost all the parts of cashew are considered to have ethno medicinal properties.
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- One of the types of cashews that are used in making juices, cooked in syrups, or even taken as fresh salads are the cashew apples, these are too fragile and cannot be transported anywhere, hence are enjoyed only where they are produced.
- Also, the Cashew pulp is the residue of the separation of the nut from the cashew apple, and cashew bagasse is the residue of the juice extraction from the pseudo fruit. For livestock feeding both of these products are suitable.
- The other type is cashew nut testa; these are red-skinned and are removed manually or mechanically in the final step of preparing cashew nuts for confectioneries.
- Moreover, the cashew tree leaves can be cut and eaten fresh or cooked.
- The Cashew tree timber provides good firewood and can make valuable charcoal. In the processing of cashew nut shell liquid; a nutshell can be burnt to produce heat.
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Cultivation and Growth of Cashew Market
In India, the production of in-shell raw cashew In India was 758,410 metric tons in the year 2019 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 2.1% during the upcoming years, from 2020 – 2025. India is one of the major countries in Asia-Pacific, and globally, is positioned as the largest producer of raw cashew nut with 5.5 lakh metric ton per annum. The cashew is grown in the peninsular areas of different parts of India.
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Almost over 65 % of the world export of cashew kernels is accounted for by India, the cashew produced by India are consumed by as many as 60 countries all over the world. Due to the high demand for cashew all around the globe, it is a good project for entrepreneurs to invest in. In India, every metric ton of raw cashew seed that is produced and processed yields approx. 230kg (23%) of exportable grade kernels. The Cashew industry has also been an employment generator in India employing over 3 lakh people. The major reason for expanding the cashew industry is that it has maintained a stable price in the international market in comparison to other nuts.
Conclusion
To get more information about the cashew industry along with its by-products, you can get the book written by NPCS “The Complete Book on Cashew (Cultivation, Processing & By-Products)” it provides a lot of valuable knowledge along with the nutritional value, packaging, and preservation and uses of cashews. The book is a great help to get some great aspects not only about the cashew but also its by-products.
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