A Guide to Different Types of Cashew Nuts
1. Classify cashew nuts by product (raw cashew nut size)
Cashew nuts are typically graded based on their size, shape, and color. The grading system helps determine the quality and price of the cashew kernels. Here are the main categories:
Whole Kernels (W Grades): These are the highest quality cashew nuts. They are graded based on the number of kernels per pound. The higher the number, the smaller the cashew. Common grades include:
- W180: Largest whole cashews, with 180 kernels per pound.
- W210: Slightly smaller than W180, with 210 kernels per pound.
- W240: Smaller than W210, with 240 kernels per pound.
- W320: Smallest whole cashews, with 320 kernels per pound.
Scorched Whole Kernels (SW Grades): These are whole cashews that have been roasted. They are also graded based on the number of kernels per pound. Common grades include:
- SW180: Largest scorched whole cashews, with 180 kernels per pound.
- SW210: Slightly smaller than SW180, with 210 kernels per pound.
- SW240: Smaller than SW210, with 240 kernels per pound.
- SW320: Smallest scorched whole cashews, with 320 kernels per pound.
- Pieces and Splits: These are cashew kernels that are broken into smaller pieces. They are often used in confectionery and baking. Pieces and splits are not graded by size but by their quality and appearance.
- Butts: These are the smallest and least desirable parts of the cashew kernel. They are often used for oil extraction or as animal feed.
The grading system ensures that consumers get the best quality cashew nuts for their specific needs, whether it's for snacking, cooking, or other uses.
2. Reference prices for commercial cashew nuts
Here are the reference prices for popular commercial cashew nuts:
Black Cashews
- Price Reference: 2.50 - 3.00 USD/kg
- Description: Cashews with a black or dark-colored shell, retaining natural nutrients.
White Cashews
- Price Reference: 1.80 - 2.20 USD/kg
- Description: Cashews with a natural white color, usually shelled and thoroughly cleaned.
Red Cashews
- Price Reference: 2.00 - 2.50 USD/kg
- Description: Cashews with a red or pink shell, retaining natural nutrients and flavor.
Green Cashews
- Price Reference: 2.30 - 2.80 USD/kg
- Description: Unprocessed cashews, typically with a natural green shell.
Note that prices may vary depending on the place of purchase, quality, and season.
3. Classify cashew nuts by product type (raw, fresh, roasted with salt,...)
Here are the main types of cashew nuts based on their product type:
- Raw Cashews: These are cashews in their natural, unprocessed state. They are often used in cooking and baking, as they retain their natural flavor and nutrients.
- Roasted Cashews: These cashews are roasted to enhance their flavor and give them a crunchy texture. They can be seasoned with various spices, such as salt, pepper, or chili.
- Salted Cashews: These are roasted cashews that have been seasoned with salt. They are a popular snack due to their savory taste.
- Unsalted Cashews: These are raw or roasted cashews without any added salt. They are a healthier option for those looking to reduce their sodium intake.
- Flavored Cashews: These cashews are coated with various flavors, such as honey, garlic, chili, or wasabi. They offer a sweet or spicy twist to the traditional cashew taste.
- Cashew Butter: Made from ground cashews, cashew butter is a creamy spread that can be used in sandwiches, smoothies, or as a dip.
- Cashew Milk: A dairy-free alternative to milk, made by blending cashews with water. It's great for those who are lactose intolerant or following a vegan diet.
- Cashew Cheese: A vegan cheese alternative made from cashews, often used as a spread or in recipes that call for cheese.
- Cashew Flour: Made from finely ground cashews, this flour is used in gluten-free baking and cooking.
- Cashew Pieces: These are smaller pieces of cashew kernels, often used in baking, trail mixes, or as a topping for salads and desserts.
Each type of cashew product offers unique flavors and uses, making cashews a versatile and nutritious addition to your diet.
4. Reference prices for cashew products
To give you a detailed overview of reference prices for commercial cashew nuts, here are some current reference prices:
Whole Cashews
- W180: 8.7 - 8.9 USD/kg (Large size, approximately 180 kernels per pound)
- W210: 8.5 - 8.7 USD/kg (Approximately 210 kernels per pound)
- W240: 8.3 - 8.5 USD/kg (Approximately 240 kernels per pound)
- W320: 7.7 - 7.9 USD/kg (Approximately 320 kernels per pound)
Salted Roasted Cashews
- Price: 3.40 - 3.52 USD/kg
- Advantages: Rich flavor, suitable as a snack.
Unsalted Roasted Cashews
- Price: 3.03 - 3.52 USD/kg
- Advantages: Retains the natural flavor of cashews, suitable for those who need to limit salt intake.
Flavored Cashews
- Price: Usually higher, ranging from 3.50 - 4.00 USD/kg depending on the type of seasoning.
- Advantages: Variety of flavors, suitable as an interesting snack.
Broken Cashews
- Price: 2.00 - 3.00 USD/kg
- Advantages: Cheaper, suitable for use in cooking and baking.
Cashew Flour
- Price: 4.00 - 5.00 USD/kg
- Advantages: Used in baking, cooking, thickening, and flavoring.
Cashew Butter
- Price: 6.00 - 7.00 USD/kg
- Advantages: Used as a snack, in baking, or as an ingredient in recipes.
Cashew Milk
- Price: 2.50 - 3.00 USD/liter
- Advantages: A dairy-free alternative to animal milk, suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
Organic Cashews
- Price: Higher than regular cashews, ranging from 10.00 - 12.00 USD/kg
- Advantages: Healthier, free of chemicals and preservatives.
Fresh Cashews
- Price: 2.50 - 3.00 USD/kg
- Advantages: Retains nutrients and natural flavor.
Note that prices may vary depending on the location and season.
5. Cashew nuts are popular
Here are some popular types of cashew nuts:
Whole Cashews
- Description: These are cashew nuts that are kept whole, not broken or split.
- Advantages: Visually appealing, often used as gifts or premium snacks.
- Common Types: W180, W210, W240, W320 (the number of kernels per pound, the smaller the number, the larger the cashew).
Salted Roasted Cashews
- Description: Cashews that are roasted and salted.
- Advantages: Rich flavor, crunchy, suitable as a snack.
Unsalted Roasted Cashews
- Description: Cashews that are roasted but not salted.
- Advantages: Retains the natural flavor of cashews, suitable for those who need to limit salt intake.
Flavored Cashews
- Description: Cashews that are roasted and seasoned with various flavors such as honey, garlic, chili, wasabi.
- Advantages: Variety of flavors, suitable as an interesting snack.
Broken Cashews
- Description: Cashews that are broken or split during processing.
- Advantages: Cheaper, suitable for use in cooking and baking.
Cashew Flour
- Description: Cashews ground into flour.
- Advantages: Used in baking, cooking, thickening, and flavoring.
Cashew Butter
- Description: Cashews ground into a butter.
- Advantages: Used as a snack, in baking, or as an ingredient in recipes.
Cashew Milk
- Description: Cashews blended and strained to make milk.
- Advantages: A dairy-free alternative to animal milk, suitable for vegans and those with dairy allergies.
Organic Cashews
- Description: Cashews grown and processed using organic methods.
- Advantages: Healthier, free of chemicals and preservatives.
Fresh Cashews
- Description: Cashews that have not been processed or roasted.
- Advantages: Retains nutrients and natural flavor.
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Learn more: Cashew Classification by Commodity and Cashew Classification by Product Type