Senior developmental and farm journalist Shree Padre said here on Friday that although two government research institutes have developed over 50 value‑added products from cashew apple, many remain on the shelves. Moreover, these products have failed to reach people and food processors for commercial production, he said.

He was speaking after inaugurating a three-day cashew apple, mango and jackfruit mela at Kadri Park in the city. The mela has been organised by Raita Kudla Pratisthana, Siri Totagarike Sangha and Savayava Krushika Grahaka Balaga of Mangaluru.

Mr Padre, executive editor of Adike Pathrike, a monthly farming magazine published in Puttur, said that the Cashew Research Station at Kerala Agricultural University in Madakkathara, Thrissur district, has developed about 30 value-added cashew apple products. In addition, the Directorate of Cashew Research, under Indian Council of Agricultural Research, at Puttur in Dakshina Kannada has developed about 17 cashew apple products.

He noted that many technologies developed by the institutes for producing value-added cashew apple products have not yet been released from their shelves to benefit farmers and food processors.

Mr. Padre said that food processors have yet to exploit the full potential of cashew apple. Preparing zero-additive cashew apple juice does not require a huge investment, and its preparation offers enough entrepreneurial opportunity. “It is absolutely an energy drink,” he said, adding that the juice contains several antioxidants.

Cashew apple juice is used in the preparation of some ayurvedic medicines. The juice serves as a good medicine for constipation, he said.

Mr. Padre noted that the pomace from cashew apples can be used as a vegetarian meat substitute.

Moreover, cashew apple pulp can also be produced. Kuruveri Cashews (or Kuruveri Cashews Farm), located in the Kasaragod district of Kerala, has successfully created pulp from cashew apples. “This initiative will be a game-changer,” he stated.

Mr. Padre added that cashew apple juice can be sold in tetra packs. He noted that India generates approximately 60 lakh tonnes of cashew apples annually, with Karnataka contributing around 4.50 lakh tonnes of that total.

“The tannin content in cashew apples is the real villain in promoting the apple for food processing. However, it is possible to remove the tannin,” he stated.

The senior journalist said Brazil is far ahead in producing non-alcoholic drinks of cashew apple. The US is their biggest importer. Brazil has commercially exploited the uses of cashew apple to an extent of 25 %. It has also promoted it as a table fruit.