Cashew Nut Processing Plant | Fully Automatic Solutions for Efficient Production
At CashewPlus.com, powered by TTQ Co. Ltd., we specialize in delivering state-of-the-art cashew nut processing plant solutions that transform raw cashew nuts (RCN) into premium kernels ready for global markets. Whether you’re a startup in India or an established exporter in Nigeria, our fully automatic cashew nut processing plants ensure high efficiency, minimal waste, and superior quality. With capacities ranging from 3 to 100 tons per day, these integrated systems handle every step—from grading and steam cooking to shelling, peeling, and packing—using advanced processing machines designed for seamless operation. Discover how our turnkey cashew processing plants can boost your yield by up to 91% whole kernels while reducing labor costs by 40%. Explore our offerings and get a customized quote today.
What is a Cashew Nut Processing Plant?
A cashew nut processing plant is a comprehensive facility equipped with specialized machinery to convert raw cashew nuts into edible kernels suitable for retail, wholesale, or export. These plants integrate multiple processing machines, including graders, cookers, shellers, peelers, and packers, into a streamlined production line. At TTQ Industrial Equipment Manufcature Co. Ltd, our nut processing plants are built with stainless steel components for hygiene and durability, complying with international standards like HACCP and FSSAI. Ideal for small-scale units (1-3 tons/day) or large industrial setups (up to 100 tons/day), a well-designed cashew processing plant can process 25-30% of RCN weight into kernels, generating significant ROI through premium pricing. By automating labor-intensive tasks like shelling and peeling, these plants minimize breakage rates to under 5%, ensuring export-grade output. Whether you’re sourcing RCN from Africa or Vietnam, our cashew nut processing plants deliver consistent results, helping processors like you scale sustainably.
What sets TTQ apart? Our machines boast stainless steel construction for durability, adjustable blades for varying nut sizes, and energy-efficient 3-phase motors that comply with international standards. Backed by 1-year spare parts inclusion and expert after-sales support, investing in a TTQ cashew cutting machine means partnering with a company committed to your long-term prosperity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve deep into each model’s specifications, benefits, and applications, drawing from real-world data and TTQ’s proven track record. By the end, you’ll see why TTQ is the trusted choice for forward-thinking cashew processors.
Benefits of Setting Up a Cashew Nut Processing Plant
Investing in a cashew nut processing plant unlocks numerous advantages for entrepreneurs in the booming nut industry. First, automation in fully automatic cashew lines reduces manual labor by up to 70%, cutting operational costs and increasing throughput—ideal for handling seasonal RCN influxes. Our plants achieve a shelling rate of over 98% and a peeling efficiency exceeding 95%, maximizing kernel recovery and minimizing waste. Environmentally, integrated systems recycle shells for biofuel or cashew nutshell liquid (CNSL) production, promoting sustainability. Economically, processed kernels fetch 3-5 times the price of raw nuts, with export markets in the US and Europe demanding high-quality whites (W180-W320 grades). At TTQ Co. Ltd., clients report a payback period of 12-18 months, thanks to our energy-efficient designs that lower utility bills by 20%. Beyond profitability, these plants enhance food safety by eliminating contamination risks during steam cooking and drying, ensuring compliance with global regulations. For Indian processors, government subsidies under schemes like PMFME can offset up to 35% of setup costs, making entry barriers low.
Key Equipment in a Cashew Nut Processing Plant
A robust cashew nut processing plant relies on interconnected processing machines for optimal performance. Essential equipment includes the raw cashew grader for
This lineup ensures your processing plant runs smoothly, from RCN intake to finished kernels.
size separation, steam cooker for husk loosening, shelling/cutting machine for kernel extraction, dryer for moisture control, peeler for skin removal, color sorter for defect detection, and vacuum packer for preservation. At TTQ, our automatic cashew nut graders use drum screens to classify nuts into five sizes (under 18mm to over 24mm), while cutting machines employ pneumatic blades for precise shelling with less than 2% breakage. Peeling machines combine mechanical loosening and air blasts for 95% efficiency, and packing systems offer nitrogen-flushed options for 12-18 month shelf life. These machines are modular, allowing scalability from semi-automatic to fully automatic cashew setups. Here’s a quick overview:
| Equipment | Function | Capacity | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Cashew Grader | Size classification | 1 ton/hr | Drum screen, 5 levels |
| Steam Cooker | Husk separation | 600 kg/batch | High-pressure, 25-35 min cycle |
| Shelling Machine | Kernel extraction | 500 kg/hr | Pneumatic, 98% rate |
| Dryer | Moisture reduction | 900 kg/batch | Steam-heated trays |
| Peeling Machine | Skin removal | 200 kg/hr | Air blast, low breakage |
| Color Sorter | Defect removal | 200 kg/hr | Optical sensors |
| Vacuum Packer | Sealing | 100 packs/hr | Nitrogen flush |
This lineup ensures your processing plant runs smoothly, from RCN intake to finished kernels.
The Complete Cashew Processing Process
The cashew processing journey in a modern nut processing plant is a symphony of precision and technology, turning tough-shelled RCN into delicate kernels. It begins with raw cashew reception and storage, followed by grading to sort by size for uniform treatment. Steam cooking softens the shell, enabling clean shelling without damaging the kernel. Post-shelling, kernels undergo drying to 3-5% moisture, humidification for easy peeling, and pneumatic peeling to remove the testa. Grading via sieves and optical sorters categorizes into wholes, splits, and bits, while final conditioning prepares for packing. Our automatic cashew nut processing lines at CashewPlus.com orchestrate this flow with PLC controls, achieving 91% whole kernel yield. This end-to-end process not only boosts efficiency but also preserves nutritional value, with kernels retaining up to 95% of their antioxidants. For processors, integrating IoT monitoring further optimizes energy use, reducing downtime by 30%.
Steam Cooking in Cashew Processing
Steam cooking is the cornerstone of any cashew nut processing plant, where RCN are treated in high-pressure vessels to expand the shell and facilitate separation. In our TTQ steam cookers, nuts are loaded into perforated baskets and exposed to 90-100°C steam for 25-35 minutes at 1.5 bar pressure, effectively loosening the husk while killing potential pathogens. This step yields a 98% intact kernel rate by preventing shell cracks that could contaminate the nut. Post-cooking, air-curing overnight on shaded floors stabilizes temperature, avoiding thermal shock. Benefits include enhanced shelling efficiency and reduced oil residue on kernels. For humid climates like India’s coastal regions, adjustable timers ensure adaptability. At CashewPlus.com, our cookers feature automated water fill and drain systems, minimizing manual intervention and water waste by 50%.
Cashew Shelling and Cutting Machine
The cashew cutting machine, or sheller, is the heart of nut processing, precisely slicing shells to extract kernels with minimal damage. TTQ’s automatic cashew cutting units use vibrating feeders and pneumatic cutters, processing 500 kg/hr while achieving a 2% breakage rate—far superior to manual methods. Integrated with wind separators, they remove shell fragments instantly, directing clean kernels to the next stage. For raw cashew varieties from West Africa, adjustable blade gaps handle varying shell thicknesses. This processing machine boosts overall plant productivity by 40%, as it operates continuously with minimal supervision. In a fully automatic cashew setup, it syncs with upstream graders and downstream dryers via conveyor belts, ensuring zero bottlenecks.
Drying and Peeling Machines
After shelling, drying and peeling machines preserve kernel integrity in the cashew processing plant. Our steam-heated tray dryers reduce moisture from 20% to 3-5% in 8-10 hours, using hot air circulation to avoid scorching. This step is crucial for preventing fungal growth during storage. Following drying, the peeling machine employs humidification chambers to shrink the testa, then pneumatic air blasts to remove it gently—yielding over 95% peeled kernels per batch. TTQ’s models include half-kernel sorters, recycling imperfect pieces for re-peeling. These machines cut labor from 8kg/day manual peeling to 200kg/hr automated, slashing costs. For cashew nuts destined for roasting, precise moisture control ensures crisp texture post-processing.
Grading and Sorting in Nut Processing
Grading and sorting elevate raw kernels to export standards in every processing plant. Using wire-mesh sieves, wholes are separated into grades like W180 (large whites) and splits into LWP or BB, per international specs. Our optical color sorters then detect defects like dark spots or blemishes at 200 kg/hr, ejecting them with 99% accuracy via air jets. This nut processing step not only ensures uniformity but also commands premium prices—graded kernels sell 20-30% higher. In automatic cashew lines, AI-enhanced sorters learn from batches, adapting to RCN origins like Vietnam’s softer nuts. At CashewPlus.com, we integrate these processing machines for seamless flow, reducing rejection rates to under 1%.
Packing Systems for Cashew Kernels
Final packing systems in a cashew nut processing plant safeguard kernels for market. TTQ’s vacuum packers remove 99% air, injecting nitrogen for 18-month shelf life in 11.34 kg tins or flexible pouches. Semi-automatic fillers handle 100 packs/hr, with lead-free soldering for tins and gas-flush seals for retail bags. This preserves the cashew crunch and flavor, crucial for exports to moisture-prone regions. Benefits include pest prevention and space optimization—vacuum bricks ship 25% more efficiently. Our systems comply with EU and US norms, with traceability labels for blockchain integration.
Fully Automatic Cashew Nut Processing Plant Cost
Setting up a fully automatic cashew nut processing plant costs $150,000-$500,000 for 3-10 ton/day capacities, depending on automation and location. At CashewPlus.com, a 3-ton plant starts at $180,000, including graders ($15,000), cookers ($10,000), shellers ($50,000), and packers ($20,000), plus installation. For 10-ton setups, expect $450,000 with advanced sorters. In India, subsidies cover 25-35%, dropping effective costs to $120,000. ROI hits in 12 months at $2/kg kernel price, with 25% yield from RCN. Factor in utilities ($5,000/month) and maintenance (2% annually). Contact us for tailored quotes.
Cashew Nut Processing Plant in India
India, the world’s top cashew producer, thrives with cashew nut processing plants in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Maharashtra. Our TTQ installations in Kollam process 5 tons/day, leveraging local RCN from Odisha farms. Costs here average ₹1-3 crore ($120,000-$360,000), with FSSAI-compliant machines ensuring 92% kernel recovery. Government schemes like SFURTI offer 50% subsidies for clusters, ideal for MSMEs. Challenges like humidity are met with our dehumidified dryers. CashewPlus.com supports with on-site training, boosting yields by 15% for Indian clients.
How to Choose the Right Processing Machine
Selecting processing machines for your cashew nut processing plant demands assessing capacity, RCN quality, and budget. Prioritize automatic cashew nut lines for scales over 2 tons/day, focusing on shelling efficiency (>95%) and peeling rates (>90%). Evaluate stainless steel builds for hygiene and modular designs for upgrades. Test ROI with yield projections—aim for 25% kernel output. At CashewPlus.com, we audit your needs, recommending hybrids for semi-automatic starts. Vendor support, like TTQ’s 24/7 service, is key for uptime.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How are cashew nuts processed?
How much cashew do we get from 1 kg of raw cashew?
How to process cashew nuts at home?
What is the cost per kg for cashew processing?
What is the process of cashew processing?
What is the cost of cashew processing plant?
How much is 1 kg of cashew nut?
What is the subsidy for cashew processing plants?
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