Description: Raw cashew nuts are a crop of trees of considerable economic importance in Benin and other tropical countries. Besides being a source of products and by-products useful for food, medicinal and industrial applications, Cashew nut also gives a useful shade, everything. Ornamental and aisle trees are suitable for the control of soil erosion, in particular for the protection of watersheds and dams.

Locations: Cashew nuts Main culture areas in Benin are: Parakou, Bante, Bassila are the main exportable markets of the country. The majority of export quality nuts come from these parts of the country.

Specifications: According to S.G.S (Quality Inspectors), the standard for raw, uninjured cashew nuts is specified as follows:
Count nut 180-200 kg by ii. Water content of 8 to 10% max iii. Defective nuts 15% max
Float Rate 18% max v. Adjuvant 0.25% max vi. Foreign bodies 0.25% max
vii. Kor, or off-tower bombardments 48-50 Ibs / bag (Obiazu, P.C., (2000) “Quality requirements for agricultural products in Benin.

Uses: Cashew nut is a popular snack, and its rich flavor means it is often consumed alone, slightly salty or sweet. In addition to this, a by-product cashew nut processing, is mainly composed of Anacardiac acids. These acids have been used effectively against dental abscess because of their lethality to bacteria.