Embrapa study establishes cashew quality parameters for fresh consumption

In Brazil, the use of the cashew stalk for processing or fresh consumption began with the launch, in 1983, of the first dwarf cashew clones by Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical: the CCP 06 and CCP 76. Previously, the stalk, which represents 90% of the fruit, it was widely considered to be just a by-product of nut production. “Quality Attributes of Cashew Peduncles for Fresh Consumption”, from Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical, presents the evaluation of the peduncle of the main cashew clones developed by the Unit, seeking to identify those that present desirable characteristics for fresh consumption. 

The physical, chemical and sensory characteristics of nine already registered clones were evaluated: CCP 09, CCP 76, CCP 1001, BRS 189, BRS 226, BRS 265, BRS 274, BRS 275 and Embrapa 50. In the physical-chemical analysis, the researchers considered the following characteristics of the peduncle of each clone: ​​mass, dimension, firmness, color, hydrogen potential, soluble solids (Brix), titratable acidity and total extractable polyphenols. The sensory analysis comprised, in turn, the acceptance of the appearance of the cashews and the evaluation of 12 descriptors, namely: aroma, flavor, texture, oral sensations and residual sensations, namely: cashew aroma, sweet aroma, sulfurous aroma, cashew flavor, sweet taste, acid taste, softness, juiciness, fibrousness, astringency, residual roughness in the mouth and residual irritation in the throat.

Finally, the study presented the following conclusions: clones BRS 189, BRS 226, BRS 275 and BRS 76, which are medium to large in size and pear-shaped, were the most accepted in terms of appearance, in addition to presenting other desirable characteristics for the fresh consumption, with more intense cashew flavor, sweetness, softness and juiciness. Embrapa 50 also had good appearance acceptance, but together with CCP 09 and BRS 274, they were considered more acidic and astringent.

The CCP 1001 and BRS 265 clones presented good flavor and texture characteristics, but are not suitable for commercialization in natura due to their small size, responsible for the low acceptance of their appearance. In general, the shape and size of the peduncles had a greater influence on the acceptance of the appearance than the color of the skin (periderm), with those with a pear-shaped shape and medium to large size (100 g to 140 g) being the most accepted.

The study presented demonstrates the work of Embrapa Agroindústria Tropical in improving and controlling the quality of products that go from the field to the consumer through the development of innovative technologies for agricultural and industrial activities.