CASHEW NUTS TYPES

Different people love to eat different kinds of food. Right? And it is quite true even when we talk about eating different kinds of nuts and dry fruits. Some prefer almonds over cashews, while some may prefer the opposite. Even when we eat Cashews, we like to order specific cashew nuts. That's how big of a cherry picker we are. And why not, your food, your decision! Therefore, having an advanced comprehension of what you want and enjoy eating is of utmost importance. 

So, if you are a cashew lover, you are at the right spot. Today, we are going to talk extensively about cashew nuts grades, types, origins, and varieties. Let’s get started!!

Northeastern Brazil is the origin place of cashew nuts, which then were introduced to India back in the early 1560s. Since then, Goa has continued to lead India in the production of all highest quality cashew nuts. 

For your information, India is the world's largest producer and exporter of cashew kernels, and Goan cashew nuts are especially popular due to their superior quality, size, flavor, and beauty. Even though the Government of India has designated 33 different cashew nuts grades, only 26 of them are used in commerce. Also, there are six different cashew varieties, which we will discuss in detail below. 

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Now that we have read about the origin and some crucial details of the cashew nuts production in India, let’s get into some fundamentals.

How many types of cashews are there?

There are 33 different cashew nuts grades. However, only 26 of them are available to purchase in the market.  According to the Vietnam Cashew Industry's referenced specifications, a number and two numbers or an alphabet is used to represent a grade. 

Which variety of cashew is best?

The more developed, larger, tastier, and nutritious the nut is, the higher its value follows the cashew nut classification system. Therefore, The W-180 is usually considered the best of the lot of 33 and called the king of Cashews. It is a larger, more expensive, giant, stunning, white, and whole-grain cashew with between 1440 and 180 nuts per pound (266 - 395 beans/kg). 

Besides, W-210 also referred to as "Jumbo" nuts, is a common nut. And W - 240 is a desirable grade that is very cost-effective. The most widely used and most widely available cashew kernels globally are W - 320. 

Regarding W150 cashew: The cashew nut variety W150 is extremely uncommon and seldom ever sold commercially.

How do you pick good cashews?

The hue of FIRST QUALITY FANCY cashew kernels is consistent and can range from white to light yellow or pale ivory. Cashew kernels that are SECOND QUALITY SCORCHED can be yellow, light brown, light ivory, light ash-gray, or deep ivory in color. Cashew kernels of THIRD QUALITY SPECIAL SCORCHED might be dark yellow, brown, amber, or light to deep blue. Accordingly, you can discriminate between the standard qualities of the cashews and use them respectively. About two months after the fruit has set, when the apple develops a pink or crimson hue or maybe the nut turns gray, Cashews can be harvested effectively. As an alternative, you can wait until the fruit is fully ripe and has fallen to the ground. Remove the nuts from the apples by hand carefully after harvesting. 

Types Of Cashews (Differences, Size, Color, taste)

There are six different cashew varieties available out there. 

Cashew Kernels - White Wholes

180 White Whole Cashew nuts are utilized in food because they are not only a well-known source of energy but also have a rich and delectable flavor. The most popular of the low-cost whole grades is W-450 because it has the tiniest and most affordable white whole kernels. Another variety of cashew kernels are scorched wholes, which has a light brown color from lengthier roasting. They share the same nutritional benefits and all the other traits of white kernels.

Cashew Kernels - Scorched Wholes

Another variety of cashew kernels is scorched wholes, which has a light brown color from lengthier roasting. They share the same nutritional benefits and all the other traits of white kernels. Butt splits and pieces are less expensive and perfect for cooking, making pastries, and making savory snacks.

Cashew Kernels - Dessert Wholes

A cashew nut classified as "DW grade" (also known as "Dessert Wholes Cashew") may be slightly immature, slightly shriveled, or may have brown spots or other surface imperfections. As long as there are no more than 60% of the kernels impacted, it is fine.

Cashew Kernels - White Pieces

You can also purchase cashew bits. Butt splits, and halves are the names for various varieties of bits or kernels. These are typically added to trail mix, used as a topping, or added to baked goods. These won't cost as much as the other options on our list because they aren't entire Cashews.

Cashew Kernels - Scorched Pieces

Cashews may also be referred to as burned cashews. The light brown cashews are the ones that have been burned. The white cashews were roasted for just a little bit longer than the light brown ones, giving them a darker brown color. Cashews of the burnt variety can be purchased whole or in pieces depending on the situation.

Cashew Kernels - Dessert Pieces

In this variety of cashew nut, the kernels might be deeply burnt, deeply brown, deeply blue, speckled, discolored, or black spotted. Additionally, kernels that have been broken into bits but did not pass through a 4.75 mm, 16 SWG. Scorched Wholes Seconds and Dessert Wholes DW are the two dessert pieces of cashew kernels.