Cashew nuts are a beloved snack and an essential ingredient in many cuisines worldwide. Their creamy texture and rich, slightly sweet flavor make them incredibly versatile in both sweet and savory dishes. But did you know that cashew nuts are classified into different grades? Understanding how cashew nuts are classified can help you make informed choices when purchasing these delicious nuts, whether you’re buying for snacking, cooking, or baking.
Cashew Nut Classification Explained
Cashew nuts are classified primarily by their size, shape, and quality. This classification helps standardize the nuts for trading and ensures that consumers receive the highest quality products based on their needs. Cashews are typically graded based on the size and appearance of the kernels after they’ve been shelled. The primary classification system is as follows:
1. White Whole Cashews (W-180, W-210, W-240)
These are the highest-grade cashews, known for their large, intact kernels. “White” refers to the pure, unblemished color of the nut after it has been processed, and these are the most premium in the market.
- W-180: These are the largest white whole cashews, with the fewest nuts per pound, making them the most premium and sought-after variety.
- W-210 & W-240: Slightly smaller than W-180 but still large, whole cashews. These are often used for gourmet snacks, premium cooking, or direct sale as whole cashews.
2. Broken Cashews (BB, SC, etc.)
Broken cashews are classified according to the size of the pieces. While they may not be as visually perfect as whole cashews, they are still nutritious and flavorful. These are often used in cooking, as ingredients in baked goods, or in processed products like cashew butter.
- BB (Butted/Broken): These are cashews that have broken into pieces during the processing or handling process. These pieces vary in size and can range from tiny fragments to larger halves.
- SC (Splits & Chips): These are cashew pieces that have been split or chipped, usually smaller in size and often used in snack mixes, granola, or as a garnish.
3. Cashew Kernels (Different Grades by Size)
Cashew kernels are also categorized by their size after the shell is removed. These sizes are identified with numbers that refer to how many cashews fit into a pound. Here are the common classifications:
- SS (Super Special): The smallest size classification for cashews. These are small pieces that are often used in food manufacturing, sauces, and blends.
- LWP (Large White Pieces): These pieces are slightly larger than broken cashews and are often used in commercial food products where size uniformity isn’t a top priority.
4. Cashew Nuts with Shell (Raw Cashew Nuts)
Cashew nuts are also available with their shells intact, particularly in regions where they are grown. These raw cashew nuts are typically processed further to remove the tough outer shell before they can be consumed. They are categorized based on the quality of the nut inside and can be classified as:
- Raw Cashews: Nuts that are harvested and have not been roasted or salted. These are often purchased for further processing or roasting by the buyer.
Why Does Cashew Classification Matter?
The classification of cashew nuts plays an important role in determining the price and quality of the nuts. Higher-quality whole cashews are often more expensive, while broken or split nuts are more affordable and frequently used in bulk foods or products like cashew butter and cashew milk.
For businesses or individuals purchasing cashews for specific uses, understanding these classifications helps ensure you’re getting the right product for your needs. Whether you’re looking for large, premium whole cashews for snacking or smaller pieces for recipes, cashew classification ensures you receive a consistent and high-quality product.
How We Source Our Cashews
At Pacific Production Company we carefully select and source our cashew nuts from reputable farms that adhere to strict quality standards. Our cashews are available in various grades, from premium whole cashews to delicious broken pieces, so you can choose the right variety for your needs—whether for snacking, baking, or incorporating into savory dishes.
If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please don’t hesitate to contact us:
Ashley Tuong
Sales Assistant
WhatsApp: +84866747899
Email: assistant@pacificproductionco.com