The nutritional and bio‐active constituents, functional activities, and industrial applications of cashew (Anacardium occidentale): A review

Abstract

Cashew nut is a globally popular nut not only for its delicious and crunchy flavor but also for bioactive compounds, which present positive benefits to human health. Different parts of cashew have characteristic compounds. The kernel of cashew nut is rich in fatty acids, the testa is rich in polyphenols, cashew apple is rich in polyphenols and carotenoids, and phenols with aliphatic long chain are present in the cashew nutshell liquid. Therefore, the edible part of cashew possesses a wide range of bioactive compounds, with reported biological properties, including anti‐tumor, brain health, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular protection, anti‐diabetic, gastroprotection, pathophysiological disorders protection, and antioxidant. On the other hand, the inedible part of cashew, the cashew nutshell liquid, could play an important role in the industry as surface coatings, insulating formulations and so on. Hence, there are considerable demands to increase the added value of cashew, thereby exploring greater economic value. Thus, this review summarizes nutrients, bioactive compounds, biological functions, and applications of Anacardium occidentale to provide a theoretical basis and inspiration for further in‐depth studies and utilization.

Exploring the potential of cashew nutshells: A critical review of alternative applications

“…Therefore, it becomes crucial to find effective and profitable solutions for CNS waste management in the context of the growth of cashew production, global concerns regarding sustainability, circular economy, and the Sustainable Development Goals. Current research on cashew nut processing mainly concentrates on kernel and pseudo-fruit production and applications (Oliveira et al 2020;Chen et al 2023), CNSL extraction and valorization (Kyei et al 2023), as well as testa utilization (Sruthi and Naidu 2023). However, CNS management receives less attention despite its promising physical, chemical, and thermal properties (Table 1).…”

Participatory identification of cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) promising genetic resources in Ivory Coast

“…Cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a tropical crop (native from Brazil) with multiple uses which can contribute to several food and industry sectors (Nyirenda et al 2021;Chen et al 2023;Nunes Lemes et al 2023). With around 1,095,000 tons of nuts produced in 2022 (www.fao.org/faostat/fr/#data/), cashew tree ranks third among the nut crops after almond (1,477,000 tons) and walnut (1,1556 tons).…”

“…With around 1,095,000 tons of nuts produced in 2022 (www.fao.org/faostat/fr/#data/), cashew tree ranks third among the nut crops after almond (1,477,000 tons) and walnut (1,1556 tons). Cashew nuts are consumed worldwide in various food forms (roasted, fried, salted, sugared snacks) and used in confectionery and bakery (Chen et al 2023). These uses of cashew nuts are driven by their nutritional composition, mainly their content in vital minerals which are seldom found in daily diets.…”