Stephan Kayyar

Daijiworld Media Network - Kasargod

Kasargod, Jun 2: Cashew apples, which are commonly discarded as waste or left to rot in plantations, are now finding new value as a nutritious, tasty and healthy juice that is steadily gaining popularity.

A striking example of this transformation comes from Kuruveri near Paivalike, where couple Vishwa Keshava and Navya Shree have emerged as pioneers in cashew apple value addition.

Although demand exists for value-added products from cashew and jackfruit, the sector has remained largely underutilised on a commercial scale. However, recent years have seen a gradual rise in entrepreneurs introducing processed fruit-based products, creating new market opportunities.

The couple has demonstrated how cashew apples—once considered waste—can be effectively converted into marketable products. They own around five acres of cashew plantation near their residence, with nearly 1,000 cashew trees under cultivation.

Earlier, tonnes of cashew apples would simply rot in the fields and return to the soil, while only the seeds were processed for cashew nut production, leaving the fruit largely unused.

Trained at the Cashew Research Directorate in Puttur, the couple has now become a model in value addition by producing cashew apple juice and exploring multiple product possibilities from the fruit.

Cashew apples are generally available between February and May. The couple has developed a special preservation system that allows the fruit to be stored and processed as per demand, enabling year-round production.

The preparation process involves selecting quality fruits, washing them thoroughly, removing both ends, cutting them into pieces, blending them in a mixer, and extracting juice through straining. Approximately 30 cashew apples are required to produce one litre of juice.

They also prepare frozen pulp, which can be preserved for long periods and used to produce juice and other value-added products throughout the year. The couple believes cashew apple-based beverages could evolve into a strong agro-based industry in the future.

By cultivating cashew on about five acres of hilly land near their home, Vishwa Keshava and Navya Shree have also realised their dream of self-reliance. Their goal is to supply cashew nuts, fruit-based beverages and other products directly to consumers, while demonstrating the commercial potential of what was earlier treated as waste.

The couple began their cashew venture in 2012 as a small dream project focused on cashew nut production. However, fluctuations in cashew kernel prices pushed them to diversify into value-added products.

Today, their cashew apple juice and related products are attracting growing consumer interest. It is estimated that nearly 60 lac tonnes of cashew apples are produced annually in the country, but only a small fraction is utilised in a few states, while the rest is left to decay.

Experts say that large-scale value addition could significantly boost cashew cultivation and open up new income opportunities for farmers and rural entrepreneurs.