From squash to muffins: Cashew apple innovations draw crowds at KCDC fair in Mangaluru

Mangaluru: Innovation and entrepreneurship took centre stage at Karnataka State Cashew Development Corporation Limited’s (KCDC) cashew mela held at Kadri Park here Sunday, with farmers and entrepreneurs showcasing a wide range of value-added products made from cashew apples and cashew nuts.

The exhibits included squash, ice cream, muffins, jaggery, pickles and chocolates, highlighting efforts to reduce wastage and boost farm income through processing.

One of the main attractions was the stall by Vishwakeshava and Navyashri, founders of Kuruveri Cashews from Bayar in Kasaragod, Kerala. The couple, who began selling roasted and masala cashew nuts four years ago and recently expanded online, introduced experimental sun-dried cashew apples at the mela.

Vishwakeshava said they ventured into value-added products after realising that selling raw cashew nuts alone generated limited income. He said the couple received training at Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR) in Puttur and credited agriculture expert Shree Padre for inspiring their innovations.

Explaining the preparation of sun-dried cashew apples, he said the fruit is cut, its juice extracted, then boiled in sugar syrup before being sun-dried for two to three days. Lemon or citric acid is added for flavour enhancement. The couple also plans to expand production of their preservative-free cashew apple juice.

Prakash of Prakrithi Foods said they were among the first in Karnataka to introduce cashew apple squash and promote cashew apple juice to reduce wastage of the fruit. Their stall featured cashew apple pickle, halwa and squash.

Cashew Technology Centre of the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences displayed products including jams, pickles, chocolates, candies, carbonated drinks, syrup and cashew crunch.

Jeevan HR, associate researcher at the centre, said carbonated drinks, pickles and jam were among their best-selling products. He said sales are currently limited to Shivamogga and university outlets, with plans to expand to other districts.

Abhijnana Food Products from Puttur showcased sprouted cashews, cashew jaggery, muffins and cookies. Radhakrishna of the firm said jaggery extracted from cashew apples has a low glycaemic index and is considered healthier.

Akshar from Uppinangady attracted visitors with his cashew-based ice cream, which was well received by customers at the mela.