Development and performance evaluation of a cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) juice extraction machine

Abstract

Despite the nutritional value of cashew apples (Anacardium occidentale L.), commercial utilization remains focused primarily on the nut, leading to the wastage of large quantities of unprocessed apples. To address this challenge, a cashew juice extraction machine was developed, its performance was optimized with respect to machine parameters, and the quality of the juice was assessed using response surface methodology. The machine comprises a hopper, belt and pulley arrangement, reduction gear, top cover, frame, and extraction chamber. The major material used was stainless steel. During the extraction process, the screw conveyor presses the cashew apples against the concave sieve, extracting juice through abrasion. The performance of the machine was evaluated and optimized using response surface methodology. Data analysis was performed using analysis of variance. The optimum juice extraction efficiency and juice yield were 85.05% and 72.42%, respectively, at a screw speed of 80 rpm and a feed input of 1.5 kg for very ripe cashew apples. For ripe cashew apples, the maximum extraction loss (20%) was observed at a screw speed of 60 rpm and a feed input of 2 kg, while the minimum loss (3.33%) occurred for very ripe samples at a screw speed of 80 rpm and a feed input of 1.5 kg. The optimized operating conditions were a screw speed of 88.53 rpm and a feed input of 1.726 kg for very ripe cashew apples, and 91.05 rpm and 1.724 kg, respectively, for ripe samples. The physicochemical analysis of the extracted juice showed that ripe cashew apple juice contained 198 mg/100 g of vitamin C, had a pH of 3.37, total sugar content of 21.67%, titrable acidity (TTA) of 0.38%, tannin content of 0.17%, moisture content of 72.83%, and total soluble solids (TSS) of 10 °Brix. The sensory evaluation of cashew ripe juice was highest at 7.40 ± 1.35. In conclusion, the most nutritious juice was obtained from very ripe cashew apples. This machine proved to enhance cashew apple juice production and therefore reduce waste, especially during its bountiful harvest.