Upcycling cashew fruit to plant-based meat - This Hawaiian start-up has done it right

10 November 2021

Who doesn't enjoy plant-based meat? Is there, however, enough variety? Many plant-based enterprises are developing new recipes to expand the range of vegan meat options. A Hawaiin firm is on the list, and it's experimenting with cashew to make plant-based meat. Yes, you read that correctly. Cashew had previously only been utilized as a source of nut milk, cream, or as a nut in meals. However, there is now more to it.

This novel plant-based meat is created from cashew fruit rather than soy or wheat. Caju Love, a firm based in Hawaii, has successfully experimented with and launched plant-based meat derived from recycled cashews. This is the first of its kind meat replacement to hit the market in the United States.

BUT, HOW IS IT MADE?

Cashew fruit, the company's raw material, is currently sourced from the cashew nut and juice sector, which discards millions of tonnes of cashew fruit after production. These wasted fruits are high in fiber and beneficial to health. This is also a fantastic way to reduce food waste.

“When I found out that cashew nuts grow on a fruit that was considered waste in the nut industry, I knew we had to do something to change that. The fruit is full of health benefits and cooks just like chicken, pork, tuna, and ground meat—it is delicious,” explained Felipe Barreneche, co-founder of the family-run startup.

IS IT SUSTAINABLE?

Yes, the company is combating the problem of food waste or discarding it in the garbage by upcycling the fruit waste from the nut industry. Second, according to the company, this plant-based meat requires no additional water or land to produce, making it extremely sustainable.

THE HEALTH METRE

Caju Love claims that its plant-based meat is high in fiber and rich in healthy fats, proteins, and minerals. It is also GMO-free, gluten-free, and soy-free, making it acceptable for a variety of diets. It's also free of paleo ingredients.

Talking about this, the co-founder Alana Lima said, “Everything we consume directly affects our health and the health of our planet,” Lima continued. “Cashew fruit meat is extremely nutritious for a healthy lifestyle and one of the most sustainable food options. With every cashew meat pack you purchase, you are helping divert food waste and reduce water and land use for food supply.”

Currently, Caju Love caters to direct-to-customer through their website across the US. Each of its 200 gm packs is priced at $29.99 and is offered 10% lesser for those who opt for the subscription model.

Also read: Vegan First & The Body Shop invite you for our World Vegan Month Meet-Up: Delhi-ciously Vegan!

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