Cashew nuts grow on the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale). Raw cashew nuts are shelled and processed into the kernels sold as snacks and ingredients, and cashew is one of Nigeria's main agricultural export crops.
Where it is grown
Cashew is grown in several parts of Nigeria. Five Acres Ltd sources cashew across the South-West, the South-East and the North-Central (Middle Belt) region, where potential sourcing areas include Benue, Nasarawa, Kogi and neighbouring states, as well as Ondo, Osun, Ekiti and Oyo in the South-West.
Harvest and seasons
Cashew is harvested in the dry season, with the main supply typically coming from about February to May, depending on the area and the year. Raw nuts must be dried and kept dry to protect quality in storage.
Uses and demand
Processors shell and grade raw cashew nuts into kernels used in snacks, confectionery, baking and cooking. The shell also yields cashew nut shell liquid, which has industrial uses.
Typical buyers are cashew processors and exporters, who look for consistent quality, correct moisture and reliable supply.
Quality: what we check
Buyers want consistent quality, documentation and reliability, not only volume. For cashew nuts, our checks include:
- Kernel outturn
- The share of edible kernel in the nut, a key measure of value for processors.
- Moisture
- Monitored through storage and transport.
- Nut size and count
- Graded so buyers receive consistent lots.
- Defects and foreign matter
- Controlled and kept to a minimum.
- Storage
- Dry, well-ventilated storage practices preserve quality.
- Documentation
- Quality information is recorded for each lot.
How Five Acres Ltd handles it
Growing areas and harvest windows vary by season and region. Contact us for current availability and specifications.