DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNOLOGIES FOR THE ECONOMIC UTILIZATION OF CASHEW APPLE AND ITS COMMERCIAL EXPLOITATION

Abstract

Cashew nut is currently considered as the only economic produce from cashew and hence the farmers obtain income only from it. However, cashew apple, weighing 8-10 times that of the cashew nut, is an equally valuable produce from cashew as that of cashew nut, if it is commercially exploited. The fruit is very delicious, possesses several medicinal properties and the nutritional quality is comparable to that of several common fruits and even superior in respect of nutrients like vitamin C and riboflavin. However, the fruit has some innate disadvantages like high susceptibility to physical injury, poor storability and the presence of astringent and acrid principles, posing serious constraints in the processing. The production of cashew apple in India is estimated to be around 60 lakh t per annum, which is almost completely wasted now, without any commercial exploitation, leading to huge economic loss to the farmers and the nation. Concerted research efforts at Cashew Research Station, Madakkathara under Kerala Agricultural University, have now led to the development of effective technologies for the removal of astringency and storage of juice and pulp for off season processing. Economic and effective technologies have been developed for the production of several value added products from cashew apple with high consumer acceptance, which broadly include fresh apple beverages (including blended beverages), fermented beverages, pulp products, confectioneries, culinary products and products for agricultural uses. We have commercially employed the technologies for the manufacturing of eight products at Madakkathara viz., cashew apple syrup, cashew apple drink (RTS), cashew apple pickle, cashew apple mixed jam, cashew apple candy, cashew apple vinegar, cashew apple soda (carbonated drink) and cashew apple chocolate. We are profitably running the first ever FPO-licensed commercial cashew apple processing unit in India, which also serves as a frontline demonstration unit for entrepreneurs. Being natural and mostly organic, with medicinal and superior nutritive qualities, the products are well accepted by consumers. Economic analysis of cashew apple processing indicated that a net profit of around Rs. 10000 can be earned per t of cashew apple, facilitating an additional income of Rs. 20000 per ha of cashew orchard, assuming a minimum production of 2 t of good cashew apple from a hectare, making cashew cultivation more economic and attractive. Taking at least 30% of the total cashew apple produced in the country as suitable for processing, the contribution to the national economy through cashew apple processing is worked out to Rs. 1800 crores. This paper presents an overview of the technological developments in the processing of cashew apple including the technologies for overcoming the specific constraints in processing and the development of value added products as well as attempts for its commercialization.