The Precise Art of Processing Cashews: Why They’re Worth Their Weight in Gold
In 2017, the world consumed a staggering 770,000 metric tons of cashews, making them one of the most sought-after and valuable nuts globally, with a market worth exceeding six billion dollars. Cashews thrive in tropical locales such as India, Vietnam, Ivory Coast, and Sri Lanka. However, their journey from tree to table is far from straightforward, and this complexity is one of the reasons behind their relatively high cost.
The Harvesting Stage
Cashews, unlike many other nuts, grow as singular shelled nuts within a fruit known as a “drupe.” These drupes are harvested meticulously by hand, adding the first layer of labor-intensive work to the cashew production process.
Drying: The Sun’s Crucial Role
Following the harvesting phase, the nuts must undergo sun-drying to eliminate some of the caustic liquid present within their shells. This step is vital in ensuring the safety of the cashews for consumption.
Cracking the Shell: Balancing Tradition and Technology
Perhaps the most intricate and perilous stage is splitting open the cashew nut. The toxic oil coating the drupes presents a significant challenge. Traditionally, this was a manual process to avoid damaging the nuts, but modern technology has introduced machines that crack the shells cleanly. This innovation not only reduces the risk to workers but also improves efficiency.
The Roasting Phase
Once the shells are cracked, the nuts are roasted to eliminate any residual toxic liquid. This step adds depth to the flavor and ensures the cashews are safe to eat.
The Art of De-skinning
Workers then painstakingly peel off the husk surrounding each nut, a process that requires skill and practice. This step is labor-intensive and significantly impacts the overall cost of cashews.
Grading for Quality
Cashews undergo rigorous grading based on criteria such as color, weight, and condition. Premium cashews command higher prices in the market.
Packaging and Storage
Cashews are packaged and stored, sometimes for extended periods, necessitating proper storage conditions and additional costs.
The Complex Supply Chain
The cashew industry often involves multiple stages of production and transportation, as cashews can be grown in one country, processed in another, and then exported to global markets. The intricacies of the supply chain impact the final retail price.
Market Dynamics
Cashews are favored worldwide for their versatility in various culinary applications, from snacks to cooking pastes and dairy alternatives. This high demand contributes to their value.
Climate Impact
Climate change poses a real threat to cashew production, as unseasonable rains and other weather-related challenges can affect both the quality and quantity of the nuts.
Labor-Intensive Processing
In countries where manual labor remains prevalent, the labor-intensive processing methods drive up production costs significantly.
In summary, the journey of cashews from tree to table is a complex and labor-intensive process. This complexity, along with factors such as climate, demand, and supply chain logistics, contributes to the relatively high cost of cashews compared to other nuts. Moreover, the expense of ensuring that cashews are safe for consumption due to the presence of toxic compounds in their shells is a significant factor in their premium pricing. Despite these challenges, the cashew market is poised for growth, with increasing global demand projected to drive prices even higher in the future.
