This outer shell contains anacardic acid<\/strong>, a substance that may irritate or burn the skin if handled carelessly. For that reason, cashew processing must follow a strict and careful production process to reduce risks and ensure food safety.<\/p>\n To better understand how raw cashew nuts<\/strong> are processed, stored, inspected, and turned into commercial cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a>, let\u2019s follow each step of the process with Kimmy Farm<\/strong><\/a> below.<\/p>\n Basic process of producing finished cashew kernels<\/a>:<\/strong><\/p>\n After harvest, cashew nuts are dried under sunlight to reduce moisture. The raw cashew nuts<\/strong><\/a> are then transported to a factory, where the hard shells are processed and removed.<\/p>\n The raw cashew processing process usually includes steaming or roasting, drying, shelling, peeling, grading, quality inspection, and packaging. Each step requires close supervision. Workers must also follow hygiene standards for machinery, tools, protective equipment, and the working environment.<\/p>\n Diagram of the cashew processing process<\/a><\/strong>, turning raw cashew nuts<\/strong><\/a> into commercial cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n => Read more: <\/strong>What Are Raw Cashew Nuts and Cashew Kernels? How Are They Different?<\/a><\/p>\n When the cashew tree<\/strong><\/a> produces fruit, ripe cashew apples<\/strong><\/a> naturally fall to the ground. Farmers then collect them. If cashew apples are picked by hand before they are fully ripe, the final quality of the cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a> may be affected.<\/p>\n That is why in Binh Phuoc, cashew farmers often wait until the fruits fall naturally before collecting them. While waiting for the cashew apples<\/strong><\/a> to fall, farmers usually clear the ground under the trees, remove weeds, and keep the area clean so harvesting becomes easier.<\/p>\n => Read more: <\/strong><\/p>\n Farmers in Binh Phuoc<\/strong> harvesting nuts from cashew apples<\/strong><\/a> – Kimmy Farm Vietnam<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n After the cashew apples<\/strong> fall, farmers use a knife to quickly separate the raw cashew nut<\/strong> from the fruit.<\/p>\n During this step, no fruit flesh should be left attached to the top of the cashew nut<\/strong><\/a>. If the cashew apple is not cleanly separated from the nut, the quality of the raw cashew nut may be affected.<\/p>\n => Read more:<\/strong> What Are Raw Cashew Nuts and Cashew Kernels? How Are They Different?<\/a><\/p>\n Cashew apples<\/strong><\/a> before raw cashew nuts are separated – Kimmy Farm Vietnam<\/strong><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n Raw cashew nuts<\/strong> after being separated from cashew apples.<\/p><\/div>\n Basic size classification of raw cashew nuts<\/p><\/div>\n After the raw cashew nuts are separated, farmers usually dry them under direct sunlight for at least 2 days. In practice, raw cashew nuts<\/strong><\/a> are spread out in the sun and turned regularly until the moisture level inside the shell reaches around 8\u201310%<\/strong>, which is considered ideal.<\/p>\n In Binh Phuoc, harvested cashew nuts are often dried on concrete yards, drying mats, or tarpaulins for about 5 to 6 days. To measure moisture accurately, producers do not rely only on sight or touch. They use moisture and temperature meters for more reliable results.<\/p>\n During production and storage, cashew nuts must always be kept in dry places.<\/p>\n => Read more: <\/strong>When Is the Cashew Harvest Season in Binh Phuoc?<\/a><\/p>\n Raw cashew drying yard<\/strong>, where raw cashew nuts<\/strong><\/a> are turned regularly until the moisture level inside the hard shell reaches around 8\u201310%<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n After harvest, raw cashew nuts<\/strong><\/a> are dried until they reach a moisture level of around 8\u201310%<\/strong>. They are then screened and sorted by size. During this process, impurities such as soil, stones, and other foreign materials are removed to increase the value of the raw cashew nuts.<\/p>\n After sorting, raw cashew nuts are packed in burlap or jute bags<\/strong> and stored by batch. Dried raw cashew nuts must be kept in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight. They should not be stored in plastic bags because this can harm the quality of the nuts.<\/p>\n In raw cashew warehouses, the bags are usually stacked neatly on numbered wooden pallets and kept away from the walls. After that, the raw cashew nuts are transported to cashew processing factories<\/strong>, where they are turned into commercial cashew kernels.<\/p>\n => Read more:<\/strong> Methods for Checking the Moisture Level of Raw Cashew Nuts<\/a><\/p>\n After sorting,<\/strong> raw cashew nuts are packed in burlap or jute bags and stored by batch. Dried raw cashew nuts<\/strong> must be kept in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.<\/p><\/div>\n After dried raw cashew nuts are transported to the cashew processing factory, they are usually steamed<\/strong> before shelling. This helps soften the hard shell and makes it easier to remove.<\/p>\n Steaming is widely used in medium-scale cashew processing factories with the support of boilers. Raw cashew nuts can be steamed by either an indirect or direct method. The indirect method steams cashews in a separate chamber, while the direct method places cashews in the same area as boiling water.<\/p>\n The steaming process softens the shell, allowing workers or machines to remove it more easily with less effort.<\/p>\n The basic steaming process for raw cashew nuts usually works as follows:<\/strong><\/p>\n Steaming raw cashew nuts with a boiler<\/strong> – The steaming process softens the shell, making it easier to remove with less effort.<\/p><\/div>\n Raw cashew nuts<\/strong><\/a> are moved to the factory for the shell-cutting process<\/strong>. This step removes the hard outer shell and exposes the kernel inside.<\/p>\n After steaming, the hard shell becomes softer. Skilled workers then use special cutting tools to remove the outer shell and take out the cashew kernel inside. This is one of the most difficult stages because workers must separate the shell without breaking the kernel.<\/p>\n In the past, cashew shells<\/strong><\/a> were often treated as waste. Today, they can be reused to create useful products such as cashew nut shell liquid, fuel, or other industrial materials.<\/p>\n => Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n Raw cashew nuts<\/strong> are moved to the factory for shell cutting and cashew testa<\/strong><\/a> removal.<\/p><\/div>\n Shell cutting<\/strong> is a difficult stage that requires skilled workers to remove the shell without breaking the cashew kernel inside.<\/p><\/div>\n To extend the shelf life of cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a>, the kernels are dried after shelling. This can be done by sun drying or by using drying machines.<\/p>\n For export standards, the moisture level of cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a> is usually reduced to around 3\u20134%<\/strong>. This helps the kernels last longer and also makes it easier to remove the cashew testa<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n A moisture level of 3\u20134%<\/strong> helps cashew kernels meet export standards, last longer, and makes testa removal<\/strong><\/a> easier.<\/p><\/div>\n The testa<\/strong><\/a> is the thin skin covering the inside of the cashew kernel<\/strong><\/a>. It must be removed to produce clean white cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n After drying, the kernels are cooled outdoors for around 12 hours. This cooling period helps the peeling process become easier. Each kernel is then peeled to remove the testa and produce clean white kernels. After peeling, the kernels are sent to the grading department.<\/p>\n Cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a> before the testa is removed<\/p><\/div>\n Cashew testa peeling machine<\/strong> – The thin inner skin must be removed to produce clean cashew kernels.<\/p><\/div>\n Cashew testa after being removed from the kernels<\/p><\/div>\n The grading process is designed to classify white cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a> into different grades. Cashew kernels are sorted by size, color, texture, and overall appearance.<\/p>\n Cashew grading is usually based on international and national standards such as AFI, CEPCI, and TCVN 4850:2010<\/strong><\/em>.<\/p>\n => Read more: <\/strong>Cashew Types, Standards, and Cashew Grading Methods<\/a><\/p>\n Common cashew grades include WW180<\/a>, WW240<\/a>, WW320<\/a>, WW450<\/a>, WS<\/a>, LWP<\/a>, and more.<\/p><\/div>\n Before packaging, cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a> must pass through a metal detector<\/strong> to remove metal contaminants and improve food safety.<\/p>\n Cashew kernels may then be packed in 22.68 kg vacuum pouches, 11.34 kg tins, or other packaging formats depending on the target market and customer requirements.<\/p>\n The packaging used for cashew kernels<\/strong><\/a> must be strong enough to protect the product from outside pressure, moisture, and damage during transport.<\/p>\n Cashew packaging must be properly sized so the kernels are held securely but not pressed too tightly. Packaging size should also be compatible with standard pallets and shipping containers.<\/p>\n All materials used inside the package must be clean and food-safe. Cashew kernels must be packed in sealed packaging. Materials such as paper labels or printed specifications may be used, as long as the ink, glue, and labeling materials are non-toxic and safe for food packaging.<\/p>\n\n
Raw Cashew Nut Processing Procedure<\/h2>\n
![\"Diagram](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/cashew-nut-kernels-processing-process-3.jpg\")
Step 1: Wait for the Cashew Apples to Fall and Collect Them<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Farmers](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/vuon-dieu-tai-binh-phuoc.jpg\")
Step 2:<\/strong> Separate the Raw Cashew Nut from the Cashew Apple<\/h3>\n
![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/Gana-Exported-RCN-to-Vietnam-volume-Increase-45-worth-of-RCN-increase-12.jpg\")
![\"Raw](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/hat-dieu-tuoi-dang-tho-chua-tach-vo.jpg\")
![\"Basic](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Different-sizes-of-Raw-Cashew-nut.jpg\")
Step 3:<\/strong> Sun-Dry the Raw Cashew Nuts<\/h3>\n
![\"Raw](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Dyring-Raw-cashew-nut-from-our-factory-Yard.jpg\")
Step 4: Store Raw Cashew Nuts and Prepare for Transportation<\/h3>\n
![\"Raw](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Dried-cashew-nut-must-be-store-in-jute-bags-where-its-get-more-air-ventilation.jpg\")
Step 5: Steam the Raw Cashew Nuts<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Steaming](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Steaming-Raw-Cashew-Nuts-Boiler.jpg?f=auto\")
Step 6: Cut and Remove the Hard Shell<\/h3>\n
\n
![\"Raw](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/raw-cashew-nut-counts.jpg\")
![\"Shell](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Shell-cutting-difficult-stage-requiring-skilled-workers..jpg?f=auto\")
Step 7: Dry the Cashew Kernels<\/h3>\n
![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Cashew-Nut-Dryer-Machine.jpg?f=auto\")
Step 8: Remove the Cashew Testa<\/h3>\n
![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/hat-dieu-rang-muoi-hinh-anh-dep.jpg\")
![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Peeled-testa-cashew-nut-Machine.jpg?f=auto\")
![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/vo-lua-hat-dieu-tho-1.jpg\")
Step 9: Color Sorting and Quality Inspection<\/h3>\n
![\"Common](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/hat-dieu-nhan-thuong-pham-duoc-phan-loai-theo-tieu-chuan-quoc-te.jpg?f=auto\")
Step 10: Metal Detection<\/h3>\n
![\"Metal](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Metal-Detectors-Packaging.jpg?f=auto\")
<\/p>\nStep 11: Packaging<\/h3>\n
![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/hat-dieu-trong-tui-hut-chan-khong-vaccum-bag.jpg\")
![\"W320](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/hat-dieu-duoc-dong-goi-hut-chan-khong-xuat-khau.jpg?f=auto\")
<\/p>\n![\"Cashews](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/hat-dieu-dong-goi-thung-thiec.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Tin](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/tin-can-of-cashew-nut-2.jpg?f=auto\")
<\/p>\n![\"Cashew](\"https:\/\/cdn.statically.io\/img\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/Fumigation-Containeer..jpg?f=auto\")
<\/p>\n![\"Raw](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/happy-moment-with-our-customers-at-kimmyfarm-10.jpg\")
![\"A](\"https:\/\/kimmyfarm.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/10\/hat-dieu-nhan-kimmy-farm-7.jpg\")