Cashews, as one of the world’s most popular nuts, continue to see growing market demand. Whether used as a snack, baking ingredient, or core component in plant-based products, high-quality cashew kernels rely on efficient, automated processing.
So, what machinery is included in a complete cashew production line?
Cashew grading machine
Before processing begins, grading raw cashews in their shells is a critical step. Since cashews of different sizes require varying shelling pressures and parameters, pre-grading significantly improves the efficiency and integrity rate of subsequent automated shelling.
Working principle:
The cashew grading machine typically employs drum screens with varying aperture sizes. When raw materials enter the drum, cashews smaller than the aperture size fall through as the drum rotates, thereby separating the cashews into 3-5 distinct size grades.
Key advantages:
- Enhanced shelling rate: provides uniformly sized raw material for subsequent automatic shelling machines, significantly improving first-pass shelling success rates.
- Reduced breakage rate: eliminates the use of inconsistent pressure for processing cashews of varying sizes, thereby minimizing kernel breakage.
- Automated operation: eliminates the time and cost associated with manual sorting.
Cashew cooking machine
The shell of raw cashews contains a corrosive shell oil. The steaming process not only softens the shell for easier opening but also solidifies the shell oil, preventing it from contaminating the kernel during shelling.
Working principle:
High-pressure steam is used to uniformly heat the sorted raw cashews. By precisely controlling temperature and time, optimal steaming results are achieved.
Key advantages:
- Enhanced nut quality: effectively prevents contamination from hard shells, ensuring superior taste and safety of cashew kernels.
- Simplified shelling process: softened shells are more easily processed by machinery, significantly boosting shelling efficiency.
Automatic cashew shelling machine
This is the most technologically advanced and core equipment in the entire production line, directly determining production efficiency and yield rates. The fully automatic shelling machine replaces a significant amount of tedious and hazardous manual labor.
Working principle:
Through an automatic feeding system, steamed cashews are individually conveyed to the shelling station. After sensors locate each cashew, high-speed blades precisely cut an opening in the hard shell. Mechanical force then prys it open, separating the kernel from the outer shell.
Key advantages:
- Exceptional efficiency: a single machine can replace the output of dozens of workers.
- High cracking rate: automated design ensures over 95% cracking success rate.
- Low damage rate: precision control systems maximize nut kernel integrity.
Shell-kernel separating machine
The material after shelling consists of a mixture of kernels and shell fragments. The purpose of this shell-kernel separator is to separate them quickly and efficiently.
Working principle:
Primarily utilizes a vibrating screen and air separation system. Vibration causes the kernels and shells to separate into distinct layers. Airflow then blows away the lighter shell fragments, while the heavier kernels are collected.
Key advantages:
- Thorough separation: high separation efficiency effectively removes the vast majority of shell fragments and impurities.
- Labor savings: completely replaces inefficient manual sorting.
Cashew drying machine
Freshly separated cashew kernels retain a layer of red testa on their surface and contain high moisture content. The purpose of drying is to reduce moisture, create a gap between the seed coat and kernel, prepare for subsequent shelling, and simultaneously extend the product’s shelf life.
Working principle:
Utilizing a hot air circulation system, a uniform temperature field is created within the sealed drying chamber. Through precise temperature and time control, excess moisture is gently removed from the nuts.
Key advantages:
- Uniform drying: ensures every cashew nut achieves standard moisture content, preventing difficult shelling or over-roasting.
- Flavor preservation: the gentle drying process better retains the natural aroma and nutrients of cashews.
Cashew peeling machine
This step determines the final appearance and market value of cashew kernels. It requires efficient removal of the red skin while minimizing damage to the kernel.
Working principle:
The most widely adopted technology is pneumatic shelling. Compressed air generates a powerful airflow that creates a vortex within a specific chamber. This gently “blows” away the dried seed coat from the surface of the cashew kernel, while the heavier kernel itself remains unaffected.
Key advantages:
- Extremely low breakage rate: non-contact peeling ensures maximum kernel integrity.
- Thorough peeling: achieves over 98% removal rate, yielding clean, white kernels.
- Hygienic and efficient: dry, sanitary process meets food processing standards.
Cashew roasting machine
Raw cashew kernels can be sold after shelling, but roasted cashews hold a higher market value and broader consumption applications. Roasting is an essential step in producing ready-to-eat cashew snacks.
Working principle:
Utilizing electric or gas heating, cashew kernels are evenly heated through hot air circulation or drum rotation. By precisely setting roasting temperature and duration, varying roasting levels—light, medium, or dark—can be achieved to meet diverse market taste preferences.
Key advantages:
- Exceptional flavor: fully enhances the nutty aroma of cashews while delivering a crispy texture.
- Product value-add: roasted cashews can be sold directly as premium snacks at significantly higher prices than raw nuts.
- Consistent quality: automated temperature control ensures uniform color and taste across every batch.
- Versatility: also suitable for roasting almonds, peanuts, pistachios, and other nuts.
Summary
An efficient cashew production line is the result of these core pieces of equipment working together seamlessly. From precise grading and scientific steaming to efficient shelling and gentle peeling, every step is crucial.
Click on the cashew processing line to learn how we provide customized equipment configurations for large, medium, and small processing plants. Contact our experts today for a free quote and technical consultation!