The crop season in West Africa is from March to June.
There is not a general standard for cashew nuts but some parameters can establish the quality of the cashew and the appreciation on the market.
1 - Out-turn / Yield
It is the quantity of almonds we can get after to have decorticated 80 kg of raw cashew nuts. The count is in pounds per 80kg.
A good out turn is from 43 to 48 lbs
An excellent out turn is from 48 to 55 lbs
2-. Nut count
It is the number or raw cashew nuts per kg
- 170 excellent
- 180-190 very good
- 190-200 good
- 200-210 middle
- 210-220 low middle
- 230 limit acceptable
- lower: poor
Note :
- It is necessary to balance this information with the out-turn
- In West Africa most of the raw cashew nuts, depending the year, have a nut count from 190 to 210.
3- Moisture / Humidity
For export 12% and less otherwise there are risks for the goods during the shipping
4- Foreign matter
5% max
5- Defective
Lower than 10%
Some sources in Africa are more valued on the market.
The major importers from Asia and Europe go directly in the bush land to buy Do not expect to obtain any discount during the season Offers are valid for a few days only.
No one exporter agree with a payment after arrival to the final port: SGS control before shipping.
