AFI Specifications For Cashew Kernels – Cashew Processing Machine | Cashew Processing Plant and Machinery |

SERIOUS DAMAGE includes but is not limited to insect, rodent or bird damage, visible mold – rancidity – decay or adhering dirt – solder – shell – or mesocarp. Examples include:

ADHERING MATTER – cashew meal or extraneous matter on the surface of the kernel causing permanent discoloration.

INSECT DAMAGE – is visible damage to the kernel from live or dead insects, mites in any stage of development, insect excreta or fragments – frass – webbing – boring – powdery residue – cast larval casings and/or the evidence of insects or insect activity in the packaging.

RODENT DAMAGE – evidence of rodent activity. BIRD DAMAGE – pieces of feather, bird excreta.

VISIBLE MOLD – mold filaments detectable with the naked eye.

RANCIDITY – is a breakdown of the oils in the kernel giving it an off-flavor or odor. An off-flavor aroma is any atypical flavor or aroma, including those caused by rancidity, decomposition, fermentation, microbial activity, infestation or chemical taint.

FOREIGN MATTER – includes but is not limited to shell, mesocarp, stones, dirt, glass, metal, solder, straw, twigs, sticks, plastic, hair, industrial fibers, paper and threads.

DEFECTS include superficial and intrinsic damage which adversely affects the appearance of the lot such as scorching, blemishes, discoloration, immature or shriveled kernels, kernels with pitted black or brown spots, adhering testa, scrapes, flux marks and speckles. Defects vary by grade. The presence of kernels of a lower grade is scored as a defect.

Examples of defects include:

SCORCHING – a discoloration due to over heating during shelling or blanching.

BLEMISHES OR DISCOLORATION – spots in aggregate in excess of 3 mm on the kernels from causes other than shelling or blanching.

IMMATURE – kernels are underdeveloped and do not have the characteristic shape of a cashew kernel.

SLIGHTLY SHRIVELED – a slight withering of the outer surface of the kernel.

SCRAPED – damage to the outer surface of the kernel by knife scratches affecting an aggregate area >5mm. Scrapes on the inside of the natural curve of the kernel are not counted as scrapes.

SHRIVELED – a complete withering of the kernel that distorts its characteristic shape.

PITTED SPOTS – black, brown, or other colored spots in aggregate in excess of 1 mm caused by pre-harvest attack on the kernel.

ADHERING TESTA – Testa is the natural integument of the cashew seed. Kernels are scored as affected by adhering testa when a surface area greater than 2mm in aggregate is affected; provided, that not more than 1/16 of the surface of a whole or equivalent, or 1/8 of a split or butt, in aggregate, are damaged by adhering testa; in which case, the affected kernels shall be scored as “seriously damaged” by adhering testa.”

SUPERFICIAL DAMAGE – deep knife cuts on the surface of the kernel that change the characteristic shape of the nut.

FLUX MARKS – black or brown marks on the surface of the kernels caused by flux dripping onto them when a tin container is sealed.

SPECKLED – a brown stain which appears after removal of the testa on some kernels.

SPOTTING AFTER ROASTING – Brown spots on the surface of the kernel that are not apparent when the kernels are raw but when the kernels are roasted.

SCRAPES AFTER ROASTING – Damage to the surface of the kernel when testa and other defects are removed by the use of a knife. The scraped areas are lighter after roasting and give an uneven appearance to the roast.

BLOCKING – Bonding of cashew kernels in the presence of high moisture and high vacuum pressure.