Method of peeling cashew nuts

Method of peeling cashew nuts

1. What is shelled cashews?

     Shelling cashew nuts is the process of removing the hard outer shell to obtain the kernel inside. This is a crucial step in the cashew processing procedure since the hard shell is inedible and needs to be removed before the cashew nuts can be used or processed into other products. Here are the detailed steps of the cashew shelling process:
     Steps for Shelling Cashew Nuts

• Drying the Cashew Nuts: Before shelling, cashew nuts are usually sun-dried or dehydrated to reduce moisture, making the shell easier to remove.

• Steaming the Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts are steamed to soften the shells, creating favorable conditions for shelling.
• Machine Shelling: In large processing factories, cashew nuts are typically sent through shelling machines. These machines use cutting and compression forces to remove the hard shell without breaking the kernel inside.
• Hand Shelling: In smaller-scale operations or when high-quality standards are required, cashew nuts can be shelled by hand. Workers use knives or special cutting tools to carefully shell each nut individually.

• Cleaning the Kernels: After shelling, the cashew kernels need to be cleaned to remove any remaining impurities and shell fragments.
• Quality Control: The shelled kernels are then inspected for size, color, and weight to ensure they meet quality standards.

     Notes During the Shelling Process

• Worker Safety: Shelling cashew nuts is a task that requires skill and care. Workers should be equipped with protective gear to prevent injuries.
• Quality Control: Ensuring each step in the process is tightly controlled to maintain the highest quality for the cashew nuts.

     The shelling process not only requires skill but also technology and patience, ensuring high-quality cashew nuts for consumers. 

2. Technical requirements

     The process of shelling cashew nuts requires various technical factors to ensure the kernels remain intact and of the best quality. Here are the technical requirements for shelling cashew nuts:
     Preparing the Cashew Nuts

• Drying: Cashew nuts need to be sun-dried or dehydrated to an ideal moisture content below 5%. This helps the shell harden and makes it easier to remove.
• Steaming: Cashew nuts are steamed for a certain period to soften the shell, making the shelling process easier and minimizing kernel loss.

     Shelling Equipment

• Shelling Machines: Using modern machinery with cutting and compressing technology to shell the cashew nuts. The machine needs to be adjusted appropriately to ensure the kernels are not broken.
• Hand Shelling Tools: In small-scale operations, workers often use knives or special cutting tools to shell the nuts. The tools need to be sharp and easy to use to ensure efficiency and safety.

     Shelling Process

• Size Sorting: Sorting cashew nuts by size before shelling to ensure an efficient shelling process with minimal loss.
• Machine Shelling Process: Cashew nuts are fed into the machine, which uses cutting and compressing forces to remove the hard shell without damaging the kernel. The machine needs regular checks and maintenance to ensure proper operation.
• Hand Shelling Process: Workers use cutting tools to carefully shell each nut individually. The worker's skill is crucial to ensure the kernels are not damaged.

     Quality Control

• Kernel Inspection: After shelling, the kernels need to be inspected to remove any remaining impurities or shell fragments.
• Sorting: Sorting kernels by size, color, and quality to ensure a uniform product.

      Worker Safety

• Protective Gear: Workers should be equipped with appropriate protective gear such as gloves, masks, and protective clothing to ensure safety during the shelling process.
• Skill Training: Workers need to be trained in careful shelling techniques to minimize losses and ensure safety.

     Notes:

• Equipment Maintenance: Regular maintenance of machinery and tools is required to ensure effective operation and extend their lifespan.
• Hygiene Conditions: The working area should be kept clean to avoid contamination and impact on the quality of the cashew nuts.

     These technical requirements help ensure the shelling process is efficient, safe, and achieves the highest quality.

3. Manual peeling method

     The manual method of shelling cashew nuts involves removing the hard outer shell by hand. This traditional method requires skill and patience to ensure the kernels remain intact. Here are the detailed steps of this method:
     Preparing the Cashew Nuts

• Drying the Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts need to be sun-dried or dehydrated to an ideal moisture content below 5% to harden the shell and make it easier to remove.
• Steaming the Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts are steamed for a certain period to soften the shell, facilitating the shelling process.

     Manual Shelling Process

• Preparing the Tools: Necessary tools include sharp knives, specialized cutting tools, and protective gloves.

• Cutting the Cashew Shell: Workers use cutting tools to create a cut on the cashew shell. The cut must be deep enough to separate the shell but not so deep as to damage the kernel inside.
• Shelling: After making the cut, workers use their hands or tools to carefully peel away the shell in sections. This process requires skill to ensure the kernel remains intact.
• Cleaning the Kernels: After shelling, the kernels need to be cleaned to remove any remaining shell fragments and impurities.

     Inspection and Storage

• Quality Control: The shelled kernels are inspected to ensure there are no remaining shell fragments and that they meet size and color standards.
• Storage: Cashew kernels should be stored in a dry, cool environment to prevent mold and maintain quality.

     Worker Safety

• Protective Gear: Workers should wear protective gloves and equipment to avoid injuries during the shelling process.
• Skill Training: Workers need to be trained in shelling techniques to improve efficiency and ensure safety.

     Notes

• Tool Maintenance: Knives and cutting tools should be regularly checked and sharpened to ensure efficiency and safety.
• Hygiene Conditions: The work area should be kept clean to avoid contamination and ensure the quality of the kernels.

     This manual method, although more labor-intensive and time-consuming, ensures the highest quality cashew kernels, suitable for high-end and quality-demanding products.

4. Machine peeling method

     The mechanical method of shelling cashew nuts involves using modern machinery to efficiently and quickly remove the hard outer shell. This method is popular in large cashew processing factories due to its ability to enhance productivity and reduce manual labor. Here are the detailed steps of this method:
     Preparing the Cashew Nuts

• Drying the Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts need to be sun-dried or dehydrated to an ideal moisture content below 5% to harden the shell and make it easier to remove.
• Steaming the Cashew Nuts: Cashew nuts are steamed to soften the shell, creating favorable conditions for mechanical shelling.

     Mechanical Shelling Steps
     Sorting the Cashew Nuts:

• Before shelling, cashew nuts are sorted by size to ensure the shelling process is effective and uniform.

     Using Shelling Machines:

• Cutting Machine: Cashew nuts are fed into a cutting machine, where blades create a cut on the shell. The cutting machine uses precise cutting technology to ensure the kernel inside is not damaged.
• Compression Machine: After cutting, the cashew nuts are transferred to a compression machine. This machine uses pressure to gently separate the hard shell from the kernel.

     Shell and Kernel Separation:

• The shelling and kernel separation process is automated by machinery, ensuring the cashew nuts remain unbroken and retain their perfect shape.

     Inspection and Storage

• Quality Control: The shelled kernels are inspected to remove any remaining shell fragments or impurities. This process can be performed by machines or manually.
• Sorting the Kernels: Cashew kernels are sorted by size, color, and quality to ensure the product meets the highest standards.

     Worker Safety

• Protective Gear: Machine operators should be equipped with protective gear such as gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing to ensure safety.

• Technical Training: Workers need training in machine operation and safety protocols.

     Notes:

• Machine Maintenance: Machinery requires regular maintenance to ensure efficient operation and extend its lifespan.
• Hygiene Conditions: The machine operation area should be kept clean to prevent contamination and ensure the quality of the cashew kernels.

     The mechanical method of shelling cashew nuts not only enhances efficiency but also ensures the highest quality for the final product.

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Learn more: What is Cashew Shelling? Manual Shelling & Machine Shelling Methods