Development of a shelling method to recover whole kernels of the Cutia nut (Couepia edulis)

Abstract

The kernel of the cutia nut (castanha-de-cutia, Couepia edulis (Prance) Prance) of the western Amazon, which is consumed by the local population, has traditionally been extracted from the nut with a machete, a dangerous procedure that only produces kernels cut in half. A shelling off machine prototype, which produces whole kernels without serious risks to its operator, is described and tested. The machine makes a circular cut in the central part of the fruit shell, perpendicular to its main axis. Three ways of conditioning the fruits before cutting were compared: (1) control; (2) oven drying immediately prior to cutting; (3) oven drying, followed by a 24-hour interval before cutting. The time needed to extract and separate the kernel from the endocarp and testa was measured. Treatment 3 produced the highest output: 63 kernels per hour, the highest percentage of whole kernels (90%), and the best kernel taste. Kernel extraction with treatment 3 required 50% less time than treatment 1, while treatment 2 needed 38% less time than treatment 1. The proportion of kernels attached to the testa was 93%, 47%, and 8% for treatments 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and was the main reason for extraction time differences.

An evaluation of fibrous structure and physical characteristics of Cutia nut (Couepia edulis Prance) shell

“…The external geometrical characteristics of the Cutia-nut plays a fundamental role in projecting mechanical devices for almond extraction, such as the rotating cutting system in development by Pessoa & van Leeuwen (2006). The density measured in cylindrical samples extracted from several fruits and at different positions in the shell resulted in quite similar values.…”

“…The nuts are immersed in water for about an hour for softening and then cracked, either manually or mechanically, using a wooden mallet or a hammer. Recently, the embrapa instrumentação Agropecuária, at são Carlos, sP, has developed a rotating cutting device for almond extraction, designed for field and small-scale industrial applications, which was adapted for Cutia-nut processing (Pessoa & van Leeuwen, 2006). in the present study the constitution and structural aspects of the Cutia-nut shell, which consist the major fraction of the fruit and are totally regarded as waste, are characterized aiming at the identification of potential uses for this residue.…”

Protective Effect of the Castanha-de-cutia (Couepia edulis Prance) in Regards to Metabolic Illnesses and Its Socioeconomic Aspects: A Systematic Review

“…In fertile soils, an adult tree can produce more than 2,400 fruits, equivalent to 200 kg (FAO, 1987), which equates to 38 kg of almonds or 28 kg of oil. In a plantation with 100 trees/ha, the equivalent of 20 t/ha/year of fruit can be produced (3.8 t of almonds or 2.8 t of oil) (Pessoa & Leeuwen, 2006).…”

“…One study described more than 120 oily seed species from the Amazon region and stated that Couepia edulis is undoubtedly one of the most interesting seeds in this region, both for its percentage in oil and for the quality of its oil, which is very clear, edible and easily refined (Pesce, 1941).Thus, the oil extracted from the almonds is clear, odorless, can be used for cooking. This oil of this nut of Amazonian origin is classified as a curing agent, with great prominence in the industry of paints, varnishes, lacquers, linoleum, can be used for waterproofing leather, and in all branches of printing and similar industries (Leandro and Yuyama, 2008;Pessoa and Leeuwen, 2006) and is similar to China wood oil (Aleurites sp.) and oiticica oil (Licaniarigida Benth) in terms of specific weight and its high refractive index (Cavalcante, 1947).…”