How to Harvest Cashew Nuts
People love cashew nuts for their flavor and nutritional value. That is the reason why cashew nuts are one of the most favorite snacks in the world. However, to harvest cashew nuts is quite difficult with many steps. This leads to the price of cashew nuts being quite high, but it can stop people from loving this snack. Let’s find out in this post the art of harvesting cashews.
1. Overview of Cashew Tree
People grow cashew trees for their distinctively curved edible seeds, which are sometimes referred to as “nuts” despite not actually being nuts. The seeds are highly oil-rich and flavorful. They are a distinguishing component of many southern Indian chicken and vegetarian recipes. They are truly a high-quality, protein-rich snack meal in Western countries.
2. Some facts of Cashew Apples
The cashew apple, an accessory fruit (not a true fruit), is reddish or yellow and nearly three times as large as the true fruit. The true fruit has two shells. When the outer shell reaches maturity, it turns a light shade of brown and is smooth, thin, and somewhat elastic. To get to the edible seed inside, the harder inner shell must be cracked. Be careful, between the two shells, a dark, greasy resin is produced that can irritate human skin.
3. The art of how to harvest Cashew Nuts
Usually, people harvest cashew nuts around February – May each year. The main signal that they are ready to be picked is when the cashew plant starts to fall off the tree.
Step 1: Identify maturity: Look for cashew apples that have reached maturity. Mature cashew apples will have a uniform color, usually bright yellow or red, and will be plump and firm to the touch.
Step 2: Prepare for harvesting: Equip yourself with a long pole or stick that will allow you to reach the cashew apples on the tree without damaging them. Additionally, bring a collecting container or basket to gather the fallen cashew apples.
Step 3: Knock the cashew apples: Using the long pole or stick, gently knock the cashew apples to the ground. Aim to loosen them from the tree without causing any damage to the nuts inside.
Step 4: Collect the fallen cashew apples: Once the cashew apples have fallen to the ground, carefully collect them and place them in your container or basket.
Step 5: Remove the outer fleshy part: The cashew apple is the outer fleshy part that surrounds the cashew nut. Separate the cashew apples from the nuts by gently twisting or pulling them off. Use pruning shears or a sharp knife if necessary.
Step 6: Dry the cashew nuts: Spread the cashew nuts in a single layer. Keep them away from direct sunlight or moisture. Allow them to dry for about 2-3 days until the outer shell becomes brittle. This drying process helps separate the outer shell from the edible nut inside.
Step 7: Crack open the shells: Once the cashew nuts are dry, use a small hammer or pliers to carefully crack open the outer shell. Be gentle to avoid damaging the nut inside. Remove the shell fragments, and you can enjoy left with the delicious cashew nut.
Enjoy
Finally, it’s clear that you can enjoy cashew nuts as a snack or use in various recipes. Store them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
And, remember to wear gloves or use tools to protect your hands from the natural oils present in the cashew shells, as they can cause skin irritation. Happy cashew nut harvesting!
Summarize
We visited to see how people harvest cashew nuts from the farm. There are many kinds of cashew nuts with the specification. The interesting part is waiting for you!
Havigo Company Limited operates in the field of agricultural export. We wish to bring high-quality Vietnamese agricultural products such as spices, rice, beans, and fruits… to the world. We supply you with high-quality products at the best price. If you find interest in importing Cashew Nuts, please get in touch with us for better support via WhatsApp: +84 979 58 58 56.