Defatted cashew kernel flour, testa and cashew apple pomace of released varieties have been analysed for P, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn and Se. Varietal variation with respect to mineral composition of defatted cashew kennel flour, testa and pomace has been observed. Defatted cashew kernel flour, kernel testa and cashew apple pomace are rich in P. In few varieties K concentration was higher than P. K/Na ratio is more than unity indicating that concentration of K is higher than Na. Ratio of Ca/Mg and monovalent/divalent minerals of defatted cashew kernel flour is higher than unity in majority of varieties. Ratio of monovalent/divalent minerals is less than unity in cashew kernel testa and cashew apple pomace of majority of the varieties analysed. Mineral composition of defatted kernel flour and testa of same variety from different regions exhibited variation indicating the influence of soil fertility on the mineral composition. Mineral composition of cashew apple pomace could be improved by blending with defatted flours of either cashew or almond.
Cashew, defatted flour, mineral composition, pomace, testa, varieties
