Thu Sep 25 07:54:59 UTC 2025: **News Article:**
**Indian Scientists Develop Liquid Sweetener from Cashew Apple, Revolutionizing Sweetener Industry**
**MANGALURU, INDIA – September 25, 2025** – A groundbreaking innovation has emerged from the Directorate of Cashew Research (DCR), under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), Puttur, Karnataka. Scientists have successfully developed a liquid sweetener, akin to liquid jaggery, derived from the often-wasted cashew apple.
“This is a major breakthrough in cashew research, the first of its kind,” declared J. Dinakara Adiga, Director of DCR.
The innovative product, developed by Food Technology Scientist Jyoti Nishad, boasts functional properties and high antioxidant activity. It’s rich in minerals like potassium, zinc, and iron, and high in soluble fibre. Ms. Nishad stated, “The glycemic index of this liquid jaggery falls within the moderate category, making it a good alternative for those seeking healthier sweeteners.”
The cashew apple sweetener offers a substitute for honey and holds significant potential in the bakery and confectionery sectors due to its unique sugar profile. Its long shelf life, exceeding one year, is poised to revolutionize the sweetener market. A patent application for the technology has already been filed.
The cashew apple, a by-product of cashew production, has historically been underutilized, with only a small fraction being processed in India due to its perishable nature and astringency. The scientists hope the new sweetener will promote a more sustainable usage of cashew apples and lead to higher income for cashew farmers.
“The directorate has consistently worked towards value addition of cashew apple for ensuring additional income for cashew farmers in India, and for helping the food industry to tap the potential of this fruit,” stated the Director.
The DCR anticipates that this user-friendly technology will find a strong market as a sustainable, differentiated sweetener, accessible through both B2B and premium retail channels. This innovation represents a significant step towards a more sustainable and profitable cashew industry in India.
First Piper 