Production Process
Cashew Nut Processing
After being harvested from the farm, cashew nuts are brought into storage and prepared for processing. They are carefully sorted and classified based on size, with any unsatisfactory ones removed.
Once sorted, the cashew nuts are dried to reduce their moisture content to around 12%. This step helps in preserving the cashews for a longer duration while awaiting the next stage of processing.
Subsequently, the cashews are steamed to facilitate the removal of the hard shell. The cashew nut shell is exceptionally hard and contains inedible cashew oil, which needs to be removed.
After steaming, the cashew shell is manually split to extract the seeds. This step is performed by hand, as using machines may result in the cashew nuts breaking in half, thus affecting the quality of the final product. However, this process may not remove the entire shell, as the silk shell remains attached to the cashew nuts.
Cashew Nut Processing
The Production Process of Salted Roasted Cashews
After the shelling stage, the cashews are roasted with salt to produce the finished salted roasted cashews. This stage is crucial and determines the quality of the final product, as even a small mistake can result in a product that does not meet the standard quality.
During the cashew roasting process, some places may add butter to enhance the aroma of the roasted cashews. However, this needs to be done carefully to avoid ending up with cashews that are too oily or have a taste that falls short of the standard.
Salt-roasted cashews are available in two types: those with a silk shell and those without. Customers can choose between these two types of products. When consuming salt-roasted cashews with a silk shell, it is necessary to peel off the silk shells to access the seeds inside. In some production facilities, spices can also be added to salted roasted cashews to enhance their flavor.
Diagram of Cashew Processing Flowchart
In this diagram, after the roasting stage, cashew nuts are further classified into different types based on their qualities. This process helps to remove burnt, damaged, or live seeds, ensuring that only the best quality cashews are selected for the final product.
Following a final inspection, the cashews undergo a disinfection process, metal detection, and are then packed in vacuum bags.
From this article, it is evident that the production of a delicious snack like salted roasted cashews involves multiple stages and requires meticulousness and attention to detail from the workers. To achieve high-quality products, the process of producing salted cashew nuts must be executed with precision and care.
