CASHEW

Cashews (Anacardium occidentale) are a popular nut known for their rich flavor, versatility, and numerous health benefits. The cashew industry grades these nuts based on their size, shape, and quality, which helps buyers and sellers determine the best uses for different grades. Understanding these grades can help in selecting the right cashew type for various culinary and commercial applications.

Cashew Grades

Cashew nuts are categorized into different grades based on their size, appearance, and processing quality. These grades are commonly used in trade to standardize quality and pricing. The grading system may vary slightly by region, but the following are the most widely recognized grades:

1. W-180 (Whole Cashew Nuts, 180 Counts per Pound)

   • Description: This grade includes the largest whole cashew nuts, with approximately 180 pieces per pound. W-180 cashews are known for their large size and superior quality.

   • Uses: Ideal for high-end snacks, gourmet products, and presentations where large, visually appealing nuts are preferred.

2. W-210 (Whole Cashew Nuts, 210 Counts per Pound)

   • Description: Slightly smaller than W-180, this grade consists of whole cashew nuts with around 210 pieces per pound. They are still considered high quality but are more affordable compared to W-180.

   • Uses: Suitable for premium snacks, baking, and as a high-quality ingredient in various dishes.

3. W-240 (Whole Cashew Nuts, 240 Counts per Pound)

   • Description: This grade features whole cashew nuts with approximately 240 pieces per pound. They are slightly smaller than W-210 but still offer a good size and quality.

   • Uses: Commonly used in snacks, culinary applications, and recipes where a moderate nut size is acceptable.

4. W-320 (Whole Cashew Nuts, 320 Counts per Pound)

   • Description: The W-320 grade consists of whole cashew nuts with about 320 pieces per pound. They are smaller than the previous grades but are still whole and high-quality.

   • Uses: Suitable for use in snack mixes, trail mixes, and as a versatile ingredient in various recipes.

5. Broken Cashew Pieces

   • Description: This category includes cashew nuts that are broken into smaller pieces during processing. They vary in size from large chunks to smaller bits.

   • Uses: Ideal for baking, cooking, and as a topping for dishes. They are also commonly used in granola bars, trail mixes, and other processed foods.

6. Cashew Splits

   • Description: These are cashew nuts that have been split into two halves. They are typically used in processed foods and for culinary applications where whole nuts are not required.

   • Uses: Perfect for use in recipes where the visual appeal of whole nuts is less important, such as in sauces, soups, and baked goods.

7. Cashew Butts

   • Description: These are the smaller, irregular pieces of cashew nuts that are usually broken off during the processing stage. They are not considered premium but are still edible.

   • Uses: Often used in lower-cost snacks, confections, and as an ingredient in various processed foods.

WHOLE CASHEW

SPLIT CASHEW

BROKEN CASHEW