Sub-Product

The fruit consists of an outer shell, inner shell and the kernel. The thickness of the cashew nut shell is about 1/8 in. (0.32 cm). The soft honeycomb matrix, in between the outer and inner shell, contains a dark brown liquid, which is known as cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL). Several methods are available in the literature for the extraction of CNSL. The extraction processes can be classified into two basic types: those that involve heating and those that are done at cold or room temperature. Oil extraction efficiency varies with the method adopted. CNSL is a complex mixture of phenolic lipids. Naturally occurring cashew nut shell liquid contains mainly four components – cardanol, cardol, anacardic acid and 2-methyl cardol.