Step 1: Harvesting
Cashew harvesting begins with the careful plucking of cashew apples by hand. Each apple contains the cashew nut, which is nestled at the bottom. Harvesters cautiously remove the Raw cashew nuts from the apples, as there are toxic oils in the shell.
Step 2: Cleaning and Boiling
Once collected, the cashew nuts undergo a thorough cleaning process to remove any dirt or debris. Next, they’re boiled or steamed to soften the hard shell surrounding the nut. This boiling process helps to neutralise the caustic oils within the shell, making it safer to handle during subsequent processing steps.
Step 3: Shelling
Once dried, the cashew nuts are ready for the shelling process. Specialised machines crack open the softened shells, allowing for the extraction of the nut inside.
Cashew shells and nuts are separated from each other and then they are sent for the next process.
Step 4: Drying
After shelling, the cashew nuts are spread out to dry either in the sun or using specialised drying machines, so that they are dried evenly. Drying is must as it reduces the moisture content, preventing insects growth during storage and transportation.
Step 5: Peeling
After Drying, the cashew nuts still have a thin inner skin called the testa, which is bitter and needs removal. Peeling processing machines carefully peel off this skin without damaging the nut inside using high pressure air. However before they are sent into the peeling machine they are sent into a humidifier, so that they don’t break during this process.
Step 6: Grading and Sorting
After the peeling process the cashews are ready to eat however they come in various sizes, color, quality and grades. To ensure only the best make it to market they are then sorted based on size, colour, and quality. Small pieces may be used for other products like cashew butter or mixed nuts.
Step 7: Roasting
Now comes the roasting stage! Cashews are roasted to mixed with either garlic or various flavours to enhance their taste and give them that satisfying crunch. Once roasted to perfection, they are cooled and prepared for packaging.
Step 8: Packaging and Quality Control
Cashews are packaged under strict quality control measures to ensure safety and freshness. Regular inspections and testing are conducted to meet quality standards before distribution.
Step 9: Distribution
Once packaged, the cashews are shipped off to various destinations worldwide, including supermarkets, stores, and snack companies. From there, they find their way into your pantry or snack bowl, ready to be enjoyed as a delicious and nutritious treat.
From harvesting to distribution, the journey of cashews through a processing plant involves several intricate steps, each playing a crucial role in delivering those perfectly roasted cashews to your snack bowl. So, the next time you indulge in this tasty treat, remember the fascinating journey it’s been on to reach your fingertips.
