A comparative study of cashew gum yield trends per tree and picking in relation to age of tree and the location of tree was conducted at four cashew growing districts (Sampa, Wenchi, Bole and Jirapa) in Ghana for a period of 12 months. This was to develop cashew gum production for the food industry and to generate extra income for cashew farmers. Trees used in the study were of two age groups, those that were 10 years and below and those above 10 years. Yield trends in relation to rainfall were also compared. The minimum age of trees for the production of gum was found to be four years. Higher gum yields were obtained during the dry season from January to March when there was drought and the trees were under stress. Mature trees also produced more gums than younger trees. The average yield/tree varied from 13.7 to 276.0 g in young trees and 30.1 to 1237.1 g in mature trees. Organoleptic studies also showed that the gums were odourless and tasteless, comparing favourably to that of commercial gums such as gum arabic. The study showed that age and location of cashew trees have no significant effect on the production of gum.

Key words: Cashew gum, yield trends, organoleptic.