Cashew Grades In Detail

Not all cashews are the same in quality or price. In the B2B trade, understanding different cashew types is important. It helps to decide how the cashews look, their size, and how they will be used, priced, and sold. In this guide we'll help you understand the differences.

What Are Cashew Grades?

Cashew grades are standards that sort cashew nuts by size, color, shape, and quality. These grades help buyers and suppliers communicate clearly during trading. They make sure that the product meets expectations in appearance and performance.

How Cashew Grades Are Determined

Cashew grading follows international standards, primarily set by organizations like the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) and the Vietnam Cashew Association (VINACAS). The cashew quality is based on a few factors, such as: Size, Color, Shape, and Defects.

• Whole cashew grades include White Wholes (WW), Scorched Wholes (SW), Dessert Wholes (DW), and Scorched Seconds Wholes (SSW).
• Broken grades include Butts, Splits, Large White Pieces (LWP), Scorched White Pieces (SWP), Small Pieces (SP), Baby Bits (BB), and Dessert Pieces (DP).

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Whole Cashew Kernels

Whole cashew kernels are classified into different grades based on size and color. Below you can find the most common cashew sizes:

• W-180: Known as the "King of Cashews," this grade consists of the largest and most premium cashews.
• W-210: Often referred to as "Jumbo" cashews, slightly smaller than W-180.
• W-240: These are large, white kernels that are highly popular.
• W-320: The most common grade, these cashews are medium-sized and offer good value.
• W-450: Smaller than W-320, these are budget-friendly options without compromising much on quality.

Scorched Whole Cashews (SW180, SW210, SW240, SW320, etc.) refer to cashews that are slightly browned during roasting, typically due to higher temperatures during processing. While SW cashews are cheaper, they retain their nutritional value and are widely used in cooking and processed food applications.

Broken Cashew Kernels

Broken cashew grades are used in nut butters, confectionery, bakery products, and food processing where whole nuts are not required. These include:

• Butts (B): Halved cashew kernels, commonly used in food processing.
• Splits (S): Cashews split naturally during processing, useful in snack mixes.
• Large White Pieces (LWP): Uniform cashew pieces, suitable for granola and protein bars.
• Small White Pieces (SWP): Small cashew bits used in spreads, sauces, and flavored coatings.
• Baby Bits (BB): Tiny cashew fragments, ideal for industrial cashew applications.

Broken cashew nuts are more affordable and offer cost-effective solutions for large-scale food manufacturers.

Dessert Cashew

Dessert cashew nuts include cashews that do not meet the cashew standards for whole or premium broken grades but are still suitable for desserts, food coatings, and ingredient blends. These include:

• Dessert Wholes (DW): Whole cashews with slight defects or discoloration, used in confectionery and flavored nut mixes.
• Scorched Dessert Wholes (SDW): Slightly scorched cashews that retain good texture and flavor but have darker coloration.
• Dessert Pieces (DP): Small pieces of cashews that are lower in cost but still usable for dessert recipes, toppings, and cashew-based pastes.

Dessert cashew nuts provide an economical alternative for food businesses looking for cashews suitable for mass-market baked goods and confectionery applications.

Cashew Producing Countries

Different regions specialize in processing specific cashew grades:

• Vietnam: The largest exporter, supplying a broad range of cashew grades, especially WW320, WW240, and broken cashews.
• India: Known for high-quality WW180 and WW210 cashews, often used in premium retail markets.
• Ivory Coast & West Africa: Primary suppliers of raw cashew nuts, which are processed in Vietnam and India.
• Brazil & Indonesia: Emerging players in the cashew industry, producing WW240 and WW320 grades.

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Selecting the Right Cashews

When choosing a cashew grade, businesses should consider:

• Application: Whole cashews for snack production, broken cashews for food processing.
• Price Sensitivity: WW180 and WW210 are premium options, while WW320 and broken grades offer cost savings.
• Supply Stability: Consistently available grades (e.g., WW320) ensure reliable procurement for manufacturers.
• Certifications: Organic, Fair Trade, and HACCP-certified cashews may be required for specific markets.

Sourcing from trusted cashew nuts suppliers ensures product quality and compliance with international standards.