#CommodityinFocus: Observing cashew nuts in their rawest form

When you think of cashews, you might picture a creamy, buttery snack or a crunchy topping on your favorite dessert. But have you ever wondered about the fascinating journey these nuts take before they reach your plate??

Raw cashew nuts are more than just a tasty treat—they’re a global commodity with a story that spans continents, cultures, and centuries. Let’s dive into the hidden world of raw cashew nuts and uncover why they’re so special.

The Cashew Tree: A Tropical Treasure

The story of raw cashew nuts begins with the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale), a tropical evergreen native to Brazil. Portuguese explorers introduced the tree to India and Africa in the 16th century, where it thrived in warm, humid climates. Today, countries like Vietnam, India, Ivory Coast, and Tanzania are among the largest producers of raw cashew nuts.

What makes the cashew tree unique is its dual-purpose fruit. The cashew apple, a juicy, pear-shaped pseudo fruit, is often used in beverages and jams, while the raw cashew nut hangs beneath it, encased in a hard shell. But here’s the twist: the shell contains a toxic resin called?urushiol, which makes processing raw cashews a delicate and labor-intensive task.?

Urushiol is the reason cashews are never sold in the shell and are typically roasted. The oil is found on the outer shell (similar to mangos, where it’s found on the skin) and roasting the cashews at high temperatures can kill any remaining oil that makes its way through to the nut.

The Art of Cashew Processing

Processing raw cashew nuts is no small feat. The nuts must be carefully extracted from their shells, roasted to neutralize the toxic resin, and then dried and peeled to reveal the edible kernel. This process is often done by hand, requiring skilled workers and meticulous attention to detail.

In many cashew-producing regions, processing is a vital source of employment, particularly for women. For example, in India and West Africa, small-scale processing units empower local communities by providing jobs and supporting livelihoods. This makes cashew nuts not just a commodity, but a catalyst for economic development.

A Global Commodity with Local Impact

Raw cashew nuts are a cornerstone of global trade. They’re exported from producing countries to processing hubs like Vietnam and India, where they’re transformed into the kernels we know and love. From there, they’re shipped to markets around the world, from the United States to Europe to the Middle East.

But the impact of cashew nuts goes beyond trade. The cashew industry plays a crucial role in sustainable agriculture. Cashew trees are drought-resistant and thrive in poor soils, making them an ideal crop for farmers in arid regions. By cultivating cashews, farmers can improve soil health, reduce erosion, and even combat climate change by sequestering carbon.

Why Raw Cashew Nuts Matter

Raw cashew nuts are more than just a snack—they’re a symbol of resilience, sustainability, and global connectivity. At Torq Commodities, we’re proud to be part of this incredible journey, connecting producers with markets and ensuring that every nut meets the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

So, the next time you enjoy a handful of cashews, take a moment to appreciate the journey they’ve taken. From tropical orchards to your table, raw cashew nuts are a testament to the power of nature, human ingenuity, and global collaboration.

Sources - TOSK Global Ventures, Wikipedia