India is one of the world’s leading producers and processors of cashew nuts, supplying high-quality kernels to domestic and international markets. Among all the cities associated with the cashew trade, Kollam has earned the prestigious title of the “Cashew City of India” because of its historic role in cashew processing, exports, and employment generation. For decades, the city has been the backbone of India’s cashew industry and continues to be globally recognized for its expertise in processing premium-quality cashews.
Cashew nuts are valued across the world for their rich taste, creamy texture, and nutritional benefits. From sweets and chocolates to curries and snacks, cashews are used in countless food products. Beyond consumption, the cashew industry supports millions of farmers, factory workers, traders, exporters, and small businesses across India.
Why Kollam Is Called the Cashew City of India
Kollam became famous due to its massive cashew processing and export industry. Located on the coast of Kerala, the city developed into one of the largest cashew trading centers in the world during the 20th century. Easy access to ports, availability of skilled labor, and international trade connections helped the city grow rapidly in the cashew business.
Thousands of workers have traditionally been employed in cashew factories across Kollam. The city specializes in several stages of cashew processing, including:
- Roasting
- Shelling
- Peeling
- Drying
- Grading
- Packaging
- Export preparation
Kollam’s cashew industry transformed the local economy and made the city internationally known in agricultural exports. Even today, cashew processing remains one of the major industries associated with the region.
History of Cashew Cultivation in India
The cashew tree was originally introduced to India by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Initially planted to prevent soil erosion in coastal regions, the crop gradually became commercially valuable due to the increasing demand for cashew nuts worldwide.
India’s tropical climate and long coastline created perfect conditions for cashew cultivation. Over time, several coastal states developed extensive cashew plantations and processing industries. Today, India is among the top cashew-producing and exporting nations globally.
Largest Cashew Producing States in India
India’s major cashew-producing states are mostly located along the western and eastern coastal belts. These regions provide warm temperatures, humid conditions, and suitable soil for cultivation.
1. Maharashtra
Maharashtra is among the leading cashew-producing states in India. The Konkan coastal region is especially famous for large-scale cashew cultivation and high-quality produce.
2. Kerala
Kerala has historically played a major role in both cashew cultivation and processing. Kollam’s processing industry gave the state global recognition in the cashew trade.
3. Karnataka
Karnataka has extensive cashew plantations in coastal districts like Uttara Kannada and Dakshina Kannada. The state contributes significantly to India’s cashew production.
4. Goa
Goa is known for cashew farming and products derived from cashew apples, including the famous local beverage feni.
5. Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh is another important producer with growing cashew cultivation across coastal regions.
6. Odisha
Odisha has expanded its cashew plantations rapidly and has become a major contributor to India’s total production.
How Cashew Nuts Are Processed
Cashew processing is a labor-intensive industry requiring precision and skill. The raw cashew nut has a hard outer shell containing corrosive oil, making careful handling essential.
Step 1: Harvesting
Cashew apples are collected once ripe. The nut attached below the fruit is separated manually.
Step 2: Drying
Raw nuts are sun-dried to reduce moisture before processing.
Step 3: Roasting
The nuts are roasted to loosen the shells and make removal easier.
Step 4: Shelling
Workers carefully crack the shells to remove the kernels without breaking them.
Step 5: Peeling
The thin outer skin covering the kernel is removed manually or mechanically.
Step 6: Grading
Cashews are sorted according to size, color, and quality standards.
Step 7: Packaging
Processed kernels are vacuum-packed for domestic sale and export.
The entire process requires trained workers because premium-grade whole cashews fetch higher prices in international markets.
Famous Cashew Markets and Trading Centers
Several cities and regions in India are known for cashew trading and exports.
Kollam
The most famous processing and export center in India.
Mangalore
An important trading and processing hub for Karnataka’s cashew industry.
Panaji
Known for cashew products and local cashew trade.
Ratnagiri
A major cultivation region with active local markets.
Visakhapatnam
An important export-linked center for agricultural products including cashews.
Uses of Cashew Nuts
Cashews are among the most versatile dry fruits used in cooking and food production.
Culinary Uses
- Indian curries and gravies
- Sweets and desserts
- Chocolates and confectioneries
- Ice creams and milkshakes
- Bakery products
- Snack mixtures
Health Food Uses
Cashews are rich in:
- Healthy fats
- Protein
- Magnesium
- Copper
- Antioxidants
They are widely consumed in vegetarian diets and health foods.
Industrial Uses
Cashew shell oil is used in:
- Lubricants
- Paints
- Industrial chemicals
- Brake linings
Cashew Export Industry of India
India exports processed cashew kernels to countries across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America. Export-quality cashews are graded carefully based on appearance, size, whiteness, and texture.
The export industry contributes significantly to:
- Agricultural income
- Foreign exchange earnings
- Rural employment
- Women’s employment in processing units
Many factories in Kerala and Karnataka specialize in producing premium export-grade kernels for international buyers.
Nutritional Benefits of Cashew Nuts
Cashews are not just tasty but also highly nutritious.
Rich Source of Energy
Cashews contain healthy fats and carbohydrates that provide energy.
Good for Heart Health
The nuts contain unsaturated fats that may support cardiovascular health when consumed in moderation.
Supports Bone Strength
Cashews are rich in magnesium and phosphorus, important for bone health.
Protein-Rich Snack
They are a good plant-based protein source for vegetarians.
Contains Antioxidants
Cashews contain compounds that help protect cells from oxidative stress.
Interesting Facts About Cashew
Cashew Is Actually a Seed
The edible cashew grows outside the fruit called the cashew apple and is technically a seed rather than a true nut.
Cashew Apple Is Edible
The colorful cashew apple can be eaten fresh and is also used to make juices and beverages.
Cashew Shell Contains Industrial Oil
The shell contains cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), widely used in industries.
India Is a Global Cashew Leader
India remains one of the world’s largest processors and exporters of cashew kernels.
Cashew Processing Employs Thousands
The industry supports a large workforce, especially women workers in processing factories.
Conclusion
Kollam rightfully earned the title of the Cashew City of India because of its massive contribution to cashew processing and exports. The city played a historic role in developing India’s global reputation in the cashew trade industry. Along with major producing states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka and Goa, India continues to remain a major force in global cashew production.
From delicious sweets and creamy curries to international exports and industrial products, cashews are deeply connected to India’s agriculture, economy, and cuisine. The growth of the cashew industry reflects the importance of skilled labor, coastal agriculture, and export-driven industries in shaping regional economies.
