Cashew nut is a native produce grown in Phuket and other provinces of Southern Thailand are extremely cheap compared to prices in Western countries. Cashew nut lovers shouldn’t miss Sri Bhurapa’s interesting showroom or the delicious nuts they sell.

During, my trip to Phuket last month, our guide brought us to the Sei Bhurapa Orchid Cashew nuts factory which has over thirty years in the cashew business and their showroom, located on Thanon Kwang just south of Phuket Town, provides insight into the processing of cashew nuts. Khun Supachai Kittithornkul, co-manager of the company, represents the third generation of the family’s success in the cashew industry.

The cashew tree is wealthy in resources. Apart from the exotic taste of the prized cashew nut, the cashew apple fruit, the nut casings and the bark are all utilized by industry. The nasty oil is used to produce automotive brake oil and the nut casings may be transformed into a rubbery substance used for repairing household items. The bark of the cashew tree has valuable medicinal properties, as does the fruit. Cashew apple juice may be used to treat gastric complaints, to increase urine excretion and can even increase resistance to venereal disease!

The delectable cashew products made by Sri Bhurapa are sure to tempt. Whole nuts are coated in thick chocolate and half pieces are flavoured with butter, coconut, sesame, honey and many other taste sensations including sweet chili and a hot and spicy version which is very popular with Thai visitors.