Kollam: India's 'Cashew Capital of the World' Revealed

• Kollam, a city on the Arabian Sea coast of Kerala, is known as the 'Cashew Capital of the World'.
• The city became a major hub for cashew processing and export in the early twentieth century.
• Factors contributing to Kollam's dominance include proximity to cashew-producing regions, access to a major port, and skilled labor.
• Cashews require extensive processing before consumption and are widely used in various cuisines, including Mughlai dishes and sweets like Kaju Barfi.
• Despite new producers like Vietnam and Ivory Coast, Kollam retains its historical significance as a processing and export hub.

Key Questions Answered

How did Kollam become the cashew capital?

Kollam is referred to as the world's cashew capital due to its rich history of processing, trade, and craftsmanship related to cashews.

What is the future of Kollam's cashew industry?

Information regarding the future of Kollam's cashew industry is not available in the provided sources.

Which countries now lead cashew production?

Based on the available information, details about which countries lead cashew production are not currently available.