Aproveitamento industrial do caju (Anacardium occidentale): revisão de literatura

Abstract

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale) is a native plant from Northeast Brazil, which has considerable ability to adapt to soils with low fertility, in addition to being tolerant to high temperatures and water stress. Perennial plant, with low ramifications and varied size, of the Anacardiaceae family, being well known for the quality of its almond and the richness in vitamin C and minerals of is peduncle. The cashew itself is formed by the nut, the fruit, and by the peduncle or false fruit, which is an edible pulp. Thus, this study aims to carry out the survey, assembly and synthesis of primary studies to demonstrate the importance and versatily of cashew, its products and by-products, as well as its processing methods, using various virtual databases. This study was based on the use of bibliographic research and literature review, with data colletion taking place in specific books and on the internet, from articles, magazines, websites, and research, development and innovation for agriculture, such as EMBRAPA, in addition to legislation bases containing data related to the topic. The descriptors used in the searches in the dabases were: “cashew”, “utilization”, “agrobusiness”, “processing”, “derivatives”, “properties”. Starling from the synthesis of data, it was observed that cashew has vast industrial use, with various forms of processing and consumption, representing an important asset capable of generating income, especially for small producers in the Northeast of Brazil. Once a certain level of organization is reached, it is possible that cashew will become an even more relevant exponent for the national economy, thus matching its great cultural importance in the places where it is produced.