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NUTS AND KERNELS

Description: CASHEW NUTS AND KERNELS - There is a very important distinction between cashew nuts and cashew kernels; cashew nuts are the raw nuts in their shells, and the cashew kernels are the kernels obtained from these nuts. The raw nuts are usually shipped in bags, sometimes-secondhand grain sacks. The kernels usually put in tins, which are usually gas packed or vacuum-packed as a protection against infestation. The kernels should be packed dry; if they are insufficiently dry they may deteriorate, and if in a really damp condition they may become caked, rancid and discolored. The raw nuts are often imported and then re-exported as kernels; for example, they are imported into India from East Africa, and then re-exported with the kernels of nuts actually grown in India. The sale or insurance contract often contains the words "warranted new crop." It is generally not possible to state definitely whether cashew kernels, when completely processed and ready for shipment, are of new or old crop, or, other than in exceptional circumstances, whether they are from nuts of Indian or African origin. Stipulations in connection with grading also give rise to considerable difficulty, as the grades are not based on any standard specifications. This applies particularly to the grades of whole kernels, which are usually sold on the basis of the average number of kernels per lb. Shippers' and buyers' ideas may differ in the variation of size permissible for each grade; strictly speaking the kernels of one grade should be of an even size, but some degree of tolerance is allowed. Rough handling may damage cases and cause breakage of kernels. Whole kernels may also sustain breakage if packed too dry. Contact with water may also cause discoloration of cases and rusting of tins, but contents should be unaffected. Kernels are liable to be infested by beetles, moths, larvae, etc., due to improper packing and not necessarily from external causes. Contents of tins are not expected to suffer loss in weight. Raw cashew nuts are subject to damage by moisture and may deteriorate after long storage in an undried state. Nuts may usually be expected to contain some bad kernels. Cashew nuts are the stone fruits of the cashew tree, which grows to a height of up to 12 m and belongs to the sumac family (Anacardiaceous). Cashew nuts are shell fruit (nut types). Because of their similar characteristics with regard to transport, particularly their high oil content, their requirements regarding care during storage and transport are the same as those of oil-bearing seeds/fruits. Cashew nuts are classed as follows: 1. Cashew apple The cashew apple, at up to 9 cm in length, is the pear-shaped, swollen, soft, shiny yellow or red, fleshy stem of the cashew nut proper. The cashew apple itself is not suitable for transport and storage. 2. The cashew nut The cashew nut is a stone fruit, which grows out of the bottom of the cashew apple, is approx. 2 - 2.5 cm long, kidney-shaped, yellowish-reddish in color and has a hard shell with a single kernel with a delicate aroma. It is removed from the cashew apple after harvesting and sun- or hot air-dried, the shell then becoming detached to reveal the kernel proper. 3. The cashew kernel This is surrounded by a fine, brown seed coat, which contains antioxidants, which protect the kernel from penetration by atmospheric oxygen so preventing it from becoming rancid (oxidative rancidity). Cashew nuts are also known as anacardium nuts. Oil content: 45 - 50%
Index: 519
Commodity Name: NUTS AND KERNELS

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