Cashew Nuts (Anacardium occidentale L.): Physico-Chemical and Functional Parameters of pellicle from Processing Transformation in Côte d’Ivoire

Abstract

Cashew nut pellicles remain underutilized in Côte d'Ivoire and are discarded into the environment as waste despite their use in animal feed. This study therefore aimed to determine the physicochemical and functional parameters of these pellicles to diversify their applications. The various parameters were determined using standard methods after collection from three companies (factory 1, factory 2, and factory 3). The results demonstrate the presence of fats (22.79±0.22, 25.76±0.24, and 28.71±0.04%), carotenoids (99.20±5.62, 371.52±7.25, and 475.20±4.18 ppm), total carbohydrates (44.25±0.60, 49.19±0.65, and 51.74±0.47%), proteins (11.45±0.08, 16.73±0.09, and 17.61±0.13%), total polyphenols (802.73±24.45, 911.24±12.75, and 1063.94±22.72 mg Eq Ac Gal/100 g), and flavonoids. totals (360.54±15.26, 419.00±23.52 and 575.31±18.72 mg Quer Eq/100g), antinutritional compounds (phytates: 636.17±15.34, 774.50±10.01 and 872.4±19.47 mg/100 g and oxalates: 370.33±16.81, 462.00±11.00 and 561.00±11.00 mg/100 g), high energy value (472.35±2.75, 484.55±2.25 and 502.32±2.86 kcal/100 g), water absorption capacity (293.67±11.53, 300.33±1.53 to 303.67±2.52%) with pH values of 4.32±0.06, 4.46±0.05 and 4.67±0.11 and ash contents of 5.53±0.08, 5.61±0.03 and 5.63±0.05%). The pellicles have a water absorption capacity ranging from 293.67±11.53 to 303.67±2.52% with water solubility indices ranging from 24.67±1.53 to 27.00±1.00%. The results obtained indicate that cashew pellicles could open several avenues for their valorization, namely the production of starch, proteins and fats and the formulation of animal feed. Int. J. Appl. Sci. Biotechnol. Vol 14(3): 141-152.