How are Cashew Nuts Grown?

Cashew nuts are seeds that grow at the end of cashew fruit. The cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) is a tropical tree that produces the cashew seed and the cashew apple. The cashew tree is mainly grown for its nuts and fruits, and it nuts, as many of us know, are a popular healthy snack that is low in sugar and rich in fibre, healthy fats and protein. Here is how cashews are grown and harvested, and how KODGAV is supplying cashew nuts sustainably to the UK. 

PLANTING & GROWING PROCESS

Cashew nuts are products of the cashew tree grown in Brazil, India, Vietnam, Africa The popular notion about cashews is that they do not have any specific soil requirements because they adapt to varying soil conditions and can grow anywhere. This is partly true because cashews are quite dynamic and can adjust to almost any soil. However, the best soil to grow cashews is deep and well-drained sandy loams. Cashews also thrive in pure sandy soils and need a climate with a well defined dry season of at least four months to produce their best yields. Read 5 things to look for in your UK cashew nuts supplier.

The land that cashew trees are planted in is ploughed thoroughly before sowing and the fresh seeds are then planted in an upright position, with the weakest ones eventually thinning out and the others developing. See whether to trade cashew nuts raw or roasted.

Below are a few of the key activities carried out to ensure a healthy harvest:

• Weeding is very important to protect young seedlings from competing weeds and to ensure that the nutrients are sufficient for them. 
• Mulching is very essential as moisture is needed for the growth of the cashew plant.
• Irrigation is also one of the most important factors when growing cashews, especially during dry seasons to increase the growth of the young crops. 

To achieve a good yield, it’s crucial to maintain ideal soil conditions. After this has been ensured, flowering occurs over three months after which pollination then takes place.

HARVESTING AND STORAGE.

Cashews are usually harvested between February - May. The nuts start to develop after about eight weeks following pollination. The nuts should be harvested as soon as possible and should be dried before storage. Cashews only produce after the third year of planting and can go on producing for about ten years. 

Harvesting mostly consists of picking up nuts that have dropped to the ground after maturing. Otherwise, the apples are picked up from the trees and separated from the nuts and are dried for about 2 to 3 days to reduce their moisture content. Cashew nut shells are attached to the bottom of the cashew apple, both of which form fully in the dry season. These shells must also be removed from the cashews before the cashews can be produced for supply, this is due to the dangerous toxins in the shell. See the 5 key health benefits of cashew nuts.

Well stored cashew nuts can last for a long time after harvest, staying fresh for up to two years when stored well. It’s advisable to store them in air-tight containers to keep moisture at bay and preserve their quality.

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