Moisture Damage and Cashew

UNECE Standard

Quality of CASHEW KERNELS

Moisture damage is a significant concern in the handling and storage of cashew nuts. Dry bag for raw cashew nuts (RCN) referred to as a desiccant bag or moisture-absorbing bag, is an excellent choice for maintaining the low moisture levels of raw cashew nuts. Here are some features and considerations to keep in mind while choosing a dry bag for RCN, how moisture affects cashews, the potential problems it can cause, and how to manage and prevent moisture-related issues:

Impact of Moisture on Cashews

Spoilage: Excess moisture can lead to the growth of mold and fungi. This not only affects the quality of the cashews but can also render them unsafe for consumption.
Rancidity: Cashew nuts have a high oil content, which makes them prone to rancidity. Increased moisture accelerates oxidation, leading to off-flavors and odors due to the breakdown of fats.
Texture Degradation: Moisture can cause cashew nuts to become soft or chewy instead of their desired crispy texture. This impacts both the sensory quality and the marketability of the nuts.
Weight Increase: Moisture absorption increases the weight of the nuts, which can affect shipping and handling costs and lead to discrepancies in trade.
Self-Heating: High moisture content can exacerbate self-heating, where the cashew nuts generate heat during respiration. This can further lead to quality degradation and potential safety hazards.

Moisture Content Standards

Standard Cashew Kernels: 5% moisture content is ideal.
Second-Grade Kernels: Can have up to 7.5% moisture content, but this still requires careful management to prevent issues.
Raw cashew nuts moisture level below 8%, it's important for maintaining their quality, shelf life, and preventing mold growth.
Cargo Desiccant drybag is higher moisture absorbing container desiccant than a typical dry bag.

Management and Prevention

Storage Conditions:

Temperature Control: Keep cashews in a cool, dry place. The ideal storage temperature is between 5°C and 25°C. Avoid temperatures above 30°C to prevent self-heating and spoilage.
Humidity Control: Store cashews in airtight containers to minimize exposure to humidity. Use desiccants or dehumidifiers in storage areas if necessary.

Transportation:

Ventilated Containers: Use containers that allow for proper ventilation to prevent heat and moisture buildup.
Shield from Sunlight: Protect containers from direct sunlight to avoid temperature increases and subsequent moisture issues.

Monitoring and Testing:

Regular Inspections: Check for signs of mold, spoilage, or unusual odors. Regularly test moisture content during storage and transport.
Moisture Meters: Use moisture meters to accurately measure and control the moisture content of cashew nuts.

Processing:

Drying: Ensure that cashew nuts are properly dried before storage. Proper drying reduces the risk of moisture-related issues.
Quality Control: Implement stringent quality control measures during processing to ensure that cashew nuts meet moisture content standards.

Packaging:

Seal Properly: Use moisture-resistant packaging materials to keep cashews dry. Packaging should be sealed tightly to prevent moisture ingress.
Use of Moisture Barriers: Employ moisture barrier films or liners in packaging to further protect against humidity.

DRYBAG HIGHER MOISTURE ABSORBING CONTAINER DESICCANT

How Our Cargo Desiccant Bags Work

Composition: Cargo Desiccant bags typically contain materials like silica gel, clay, or activated alumina. These materials have high moisture-absorbing capacities.
Activation: They work by adsorbing moisture from the air inside the packaging. Once saturated, they help maintain a dry environment that protects the contents.
During of import of cashew in india and cashew nut export to india, our cargo desiccant bag is the one and only solution and useful to protect your cashew shipment.