Whole Process Of Growing & Processing Cashews Will Explain Why Cashew Nuts Are So Expensive – YouTube inside

Introduction:

Embark on a fascinating expedition into the realm of cashews today, where we demystify why these diminutive nuts command high prices. Native to Brazil, cashews’ exquisite taste and nutritious value have catapulted them to worldwide acclaim. The video walkthrough illuminates the cashew’s life cycle, spanning from cultivation to harvest, culminating in its metamorphosis into a consumable delicacy. Our excursion commences in Brazil, the birthplace of cashews that now flourish globally from Africa to India. We’ll delve into the distinctive farming practices, meticulous growth care, and harvesting methods required to procure these precious nuts. Subsequently, we’ll navigate the intricate cashew processing labyrinth, where raw cashews endure a series of stages including drying, roasting, de-shelling, and peeling, necessitating exacting labor and precision. The premium attached to cashews is a reflection of the laborious journey each nut undertakes before reaching its consumers, embodying significant expenditure, effort, and time. Furthermore, we’ll scrutinize the global impact of the cashew industry, examining production data, economic ramifications, principal industry stakeholders, and prospective trends. Embark with us on this enlightening exploration into the cashew universe, exposing the process and price tags associated with this cherished snack. We guarantee a profound comprehension and admiration of this healthful and luxurious nut.

The Growing Process – Seedling Propagation:

Cashew tree propagation is a critical process in cultivating cashew nuts. Farmers start by preparing the soil and selecting healthy and mature seeds, ensuring they are disease-free and have a high germination rate. After selecting the seeds, they are soaked in water for 24 hours to soften the hard seed coat and stimulate germination. Once the seeds germinate and develop into seedlings with roots and shoots, they are carefully transplanted into individual pots with nutrient-rich soil, where proper care is crucial for their growth and establishment.

Grafting for Desired Traits:

Grafting is a crucial technique in cashew tree cultivation to propagate desirable traits and improve yield. Timing is crucial for successful grafting, typically taking place when the cashew trees start flowering and are actively growing. The process involves carefully attaching a shoot or bud of the desired cashew variety to a prepared rootstock. Once successfully grafted, the new cashew tree requires diligent care to promote healthy growth.

Land Preparation and Manuring:

Before planting the grafted cashew trees, the land needs preparation, including clearing wild growth and forest cover. An integrated approach to manuring and fertilizer application is essential for soil fertility and sustainable cashew production. Lining can be done with lime or other materials to correct soil acidity, while implementing soil and water conservation measures helps prevent erosion and conserve moisture.

Pest Management and Agriculture 4.0:

Pest management is critical to protect cashew plants from pests like the tea mosquito bug and cashew stem and root borer. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices are recommended to manage minor pests effectively. An emerging application in agriculture 4.0 is the use of UAVs (drones) for crop protection, offering precision, efficiency, and reduced pesticide usage.

Harvesting and Processing:

The harvesting process begins when cashew trees have matured and cashew apples ripen. Cashew apples and nuts are harvested together. The nuts are then left to dry in the sun, reducing their moisture content. After proper processing, cashews are separated from their shells. Modern fully automatic cashew processing systems have revolutionized the industry, making the process efficient, hygienic, and reducing human errors.

Value-Added Products and Nutritional Value:

Besides selling whole cashew kernels, the automated processing line allows for value-added products like roasted cashews, flavored cashews, cashew butter, and snacks. Cashews are not just a tasty treat but also a rich source of essential nutrients, making them a valuable addition to a balanced diet.

Cashew Nuts Market:

The Market, cashews are indeed a unique and valuable nut. As we’ve explored the entire process from seedling to packaging, it’s evident that the global cashew industry is significant, with India, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast being the major producers. Despite challenges, sustainable farming practices and fair wages remain priorities for the industry’s growth and development. So, the next time you enjoy a handful of cashews, you’ll know why they come with a higher price tag but are worth every bit!

Conclusion:

Nutrient-dense cashews contribute significantly to a balanced diet with their rich content of vitamins, minerals, and healthful fats, bolstering overall wellness. Their consumption is associated with enhanced cardiac health, decreased diabetes susceptibility, and cancer prevention. Cashews are a prime source of monounsaturated fats, dietary fibers, plant proteins, and antioxidants. Nonetheless, cashews come at a high price due to the labor-intensive cultivation and processing procedures. The growth of cashew trees is restricted to specific tropical climates, confining their geographical distribution. Furthermore, the meticulous and skillful extraction of the nut from its toxic liquid-filled, hard shell is required to ensure safety. Despite the premium price, the global appetite for cashews remains robust, driven by their health advantages and culinary versatility. To meet this demand, technological advancements in the cashew industry, including automated processing systems, have been introduced to bolster efficiency and quality. These systems minimize human error and processing time while preserving the nutritional integrity and flavor of cashews. Consequently, their nutritional worth and adaptability readily justify their inclusion in a balanced diet, despite the associated costs.

Takeaway Key Points:

1. Cashew nut production involves several critical stages, from seedling propagation to grafting and processing.
2. Soil preparation, proper watering, and pest management are vital for healthy cashew growth.
3. The advent of fully automated cashew processing systems has revolutionized the industry, improving efficiency and quality.
4. Cashews are a rich source of essential nutrients and are grown in various tropical regions worldwide.
5. The global cashew industry contributes significantly to the economies of countries like India, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.

References:

1. Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. (2023). FAOSTAT Database. [Online] Available at: FAOSTAT Database: Cashew Nuts
2. Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development – Vietnam (Cashew Nuts)