It is easy to confuse a cashew nut for an actual nut. Nonetheless, it is a seed of the cashew apple. Cashew apples are small to medium in size and their shape differs from bulbous, oval, conical to pear-shaped.
A cashew apple is among the fruits that stand out. This is because it has a fleshy receptacle. A receptacle is the stem of a flower. Hence, when a receptacle develops along with other parts of a flower, it gives rise to a fruit like a cashew apple.
Cashew apples have a thin, smooth, waxy skin. Their color changes to yellow, red or even blends of red and yellow hues when ripe. They have a soft, pulpy, fibrous flesh that is yellow or orange in color.
Cashew nuts are widely promoted as healthy. More studies are coming out which show consumption of cashew nuts may reduce the risk of getting chronic diseases. Since dietary fiber is linked to prevention of obesity and cardiovascular diseases, it can be found in cashew nuts. Likewise, cashew nuts provide vitamins and minerals needed by the body to stay healthy.
Today, there is greater awareness of the importance of a well-balanced diet. Hence, more consumers are adding cashew nuts to their diet. They now know that cashew nuts are high in nutrients.
Cashew in Nigeria
Presently, cashew nuts flourish in Nigeria. The southern and central parts of the country are scattered with cashew farms. What’s more, these areas produce a better part of the nation’s cashew crop.
Even though cashew was introduced in Nigeria in the late 16th century by Portuguese traders, the first commercial farms were planted in the 1950s. This is according to a report by the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN). Subsequently, poor management of plantations caused a production slump for several years.
But in the 1980s, the cashew industry in Nigeria rebounded. Entrepreneurs, state governments and the federal government of Nigeria brought in additional cashew seedlings from India, Tanzania, Brazil and Mozambique. Not only did research and development into its production begin but also processing and marketing.
Cashew Nut Nigeria
Nigeria appears in the top five exporters of cashew nuts in the world. In 2021, Nigeria shipped out close to 240,000 tons of cashew nuts. It is an increase of over 100% from the previous year.
In the course of 10 years, cashew exports from Nigeria have enjoyed continuous growth. The highest jump in volume was recorded from 2017 to 2018 at over 500%. The peak volume was in the year 2018 at 369,690 tons.
Here is the export volume of cashew nuts from Nigeria between 2012 and 2021
Cashew Export in Nigeria
Nigeria is amidst the top three exporters of cashew nuts in Africa. Aside from that, cashew nut is the fourth highest agricultural export from Nigeria. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), it is only behind cocoa beans, sesame seeds and soya beans.
The major destinations for Nigeria cashew nuts include:
- Vietnam
- India
- United States (US)
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
- The Netherlands
The other destinations are:
- Germany
- United Kingdom (UK)
- Canada
Nigeria takes cashew nuts abroad through its main sea ports. Cashew nuts leave the country as sea freight by way of Port of Apapa, Port Harcourt or Tin Can Island Port. These sea ports have modern container terminals.
The other exit point in Nigeria is its main airports. Cashew nuts leave the country as air freight by way of Murtala Muhammed International Airport or Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport. These airports have huge cargo terminals. Yet, this is only for processed cashew nuts.
Cashew Nuts in Nigeria
The government of Nigeria regulates the export of cashew nuts primarily through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC). This body ensures that Nigerian cashews sold in markets abroad are of superb quality. While the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development controls the production of cashew nuts, the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment controls its exportation.
Cashew nuts exporters in Nigeria must meet the following requirements:
- They must be registered by NEPC
- Have an export contract
- Have a phytosanitary certificate from Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS)
- Have a proforma invoice
- Have a commercial invoice
- Have a packing list
- Have a Nigeria Export Proceeds Form (Form NXP)
- Have a Clean Certificate of Inspection (CCI) from government appointed Pre-Shipment Inspection Agencies (PIAs)
- Have a Certificate of Weight and Quality from independent quality assessors
- Have a Certificate of Origin from the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA)
- Have a Bill of Lading (shipping agency) or Air Way Bill (airline)
Cashew Nigeria
Cashew nuts grown in Nigeria move through multiple steps before they get on supermarket shelves or open-air market stands in different parts of the world. In view of this fact, transportation of these nuts from the warehouse or processing facility to the retailer is done carefully. It is as a result of detailed planning that ensures Nigerian cashew nuts are still in good condition after long journeys.
Cashew nuts in Nigeria are dried immediately after harvesting. They are dried in the sun for 2-3 days to reduce moisture from 25% to below 9%. This prevents spoilage and retains their quality especially flavor.
Storage life of raw cashew nuts depends on quality of the nut and environmental conditions during storage. Suitable storage conditions are in the relative humidity of 67% at 30°C. The methods used include:
- Proper ventilation of the warehouse to maintain safe moisture levels
- Storing nuts in new or fumigated gunny bags to prevent insect infestation
- Stacking gunny bags to a certain height to prevent dampness on the lower bags
- Putting space between stacks in a row to allow free movement of air
In contrast, improper post-harvest handling and storage of Nigerian cashews leads to faster deterioration. Environmental factors such as high temperature and moisture can cause growth of fungus that produces toxins like aflatoxin. For that matter, a cashew nut can go bad faster after insect or mechanical damage due to the fats it contains.
Cashew Nuts Exporters in Nigeria
Here is a top exporter of Nigeria cashew
Freshela Exporters
Freshela is a Kenyan based company that engages in the sourcing, processing and exporting of cashew nuts and other fresh produce.
Freshela is a proud exporter of Nigerian cashews. We give competitive pricing to our customers and guarantee reliable delivery time.