The fruit is then pressed between two boards to a th... - Crop processing Nut Processing and Oil Extraction KnO 100177_A date like snackfood made from cashew fruit

Cashew fruit

Practical Action

The fruit is then pressed between two boards to a thickness of approximately 1.5 cm. This

removes much of the moisture as a juice and also makes small holes in the skin which allows

quicker penetration of the sugar syrup used in later stages of the process. The squashed fruit is

then simmered in a strong hot sugar syrup (75lb sugar per 1000 pieces of fruit with enough water

to cover) for two hours. (The syrup can only be used a limited number of times and is financially a

key raw material. Any alterative use of the syrups, for example in the production of wine, vinegar

or sweets, could markedly improve the overall profitability of the enterprise.) Finally, the fruit is

removed from the syrup with tongs, placed on mesh trays and dried in small Brace-type solar

driers (8ft x 4ft). After two to three days drying, the fruit is removed with tongs to avoid handling,

and packaged in heat sealed cellophane bags of average net weight 4oz.

Solar driers

Solar drying improves on open-air drying by protecting the products from rain, insects, other

animals and dust which may contain faecal material. Faster drying reduces the likelihood of

mould growth, and higher drying temperatures mean that more complete drying is possible which

may allow much longer storage times.

The more valuable the crop to be dried, the higher the financial risks involved if the producer has

to accept spoilage rates from open-air drying, and the more often the solar drier would be used.

Product drying

Initially, the solar driers were not well liked by the women at Pueblo a Pueblo; the polythene

darkened with the sunlight and was easily damaged. Intermediate Technology assisted by

providing a sample of an ultra violet sunlight resistant film (ICI Melinex) which proved most

acceptable, being strong and long lasting. The NGO purchased 100m of this film which lasted six

years. A solar roof inclination of 9° was used, later increased to 15° to improve efficiency.

In 1986, 40 women were involved in the production of cashew fruit caramel. Each team of 10

women could produce 800 dry fruits per day. The women were earning 4 Lempira (US$ = 2L) per

day, which was more than the average man's earnings of 3L. The market in the USA was paying

$2 per pound and was buying 5,000 lb each year.

By 1990, the size of the group had increased to between 60 and 70, and 40 solar driers were in

use. Sales to the USA had reached 9,000 lb per year and Pueblo a Pueblo expect to increase the

size of the project for the 1991 season to meet growing demand. A total of five more women's

groups with 50 members is planned.

It is clear that this is an example of a viable, sustainable income-generating project. It is also one

of the very few examples of the successful commercial application of small solar driers.