Comprehensive Guide to Cashew Nut Varieties, Uses, and Selection Tips
AuthorCashews are not just another nut – they’re a superfood packed with flavor, nutrition, and versatility! But did you know there are over 100 varieties of cashews? Not all cashews are created equal, and depending on their size and quality, each type has its unique purpose. Whether you're snacking, cooking, or making desserts, knowing the right type of cashew can make all the difference. Let’s dive into the world of cashews! 🌰✨
🔹 Different Types of Cashews & Their Uses
1️⃣ Jumbo Whole Cashews (W180, W210) – “The King of Cashews”
✅ Best for: ✔️ Premium snacking 🥜 ✔️ Gift boxes & dry fruit mixes 🎁 ✔️ High-end sweets (Kaju Katli, Cashew Halwa) 🍮 ✔️ Nut butter & cashew milk 🥛👉 Why choose these? Jumbo cashews have a rich, creamy texture and the highest nutrition value. They’re often the most expensive and visually appealing, making them a top pick for premium products.
2️⃣ Regular Whole Cashew Nut (W240, W320) – “Perfect for Daily Consumption”
✅ Best for: ✔️ Healthy snacking 💪 ✔️ Cooking (curries, stir-fry, pulao) 🍛 ✔️ Desserts & confectionery 🍫 ✔️ Energy bars & protein shakes 🏋️♂️👉 Why choose these? These are the most commonly available cashews, offering a balance of size, taste, and price. They’re great for everyday snacking and culinary use.
3️⃣ Splits / Two Halves (W450, W500) – “The Garnishing Expert”
✅ Best for: ✔️ Indian sweets (Kheer, Mysore Pak) 🍮 ✔️ Bakery items (cakes, cookies, brownies) 🍪 ✔️ Garnishing for biryani, pulao, and salads 🥗 ✔️ Making cashew paste for curries 🍲👉 Why choose these? When whole cashews aren’t necessary, these split ones do the job just as well at a lower cost. Ideal for garnishing and blending into recipes.
4️⃣ Broken Cashew Nut (LWP, SWP) – “The Budget-Friendly Option”
✅ Best for: ✔️ Thickening gravies and sauces 🥘 ✔️ Making cashew powder for smoothies 🥤 ✔️ Bulk use in chocolate, ice cream, and food processing 🍦 ✔️ Cost-effective option for commercial kitchens 🍴👉 Why choose these? If presentation isn’t a concern, broken cashews offer the same nutrition and taste at a more affordable price. Perfect for large-scale cooking.
5️⃣ Roasted & Flavored Cashews – “The Gourmet Treat”
✅ Best for: ✔️ Spicy & masala cashews for munching 🌶️ ✔️ Honey-roasted cashews as a healthy treat 🍯 ✔️ Salted cashews for party snacks 🍻 ✔️ Peri-peri, chocolate-coated, or caramel cashews for gifting 🎁👉 Why choose these? These bring a burst of flavor, making them the go-to snack for those who love a bit of spice, sweetness, or crunch. Great for festive seasons and special occasions!
💡 Complete List of Cashew nut Varieties
Cashews are classified based on size, shape, and quality. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Whole Cashew Grades:
- W180 (Jumbo) – King of Cashew nut
- W210 – Extra Large
- W240 – Large
- W320 – Medium (Most Common)
- W450 – Small
- W500 – Smallest whole grade
Broken Cashew Grades:
- LWP (Large White Pieces) – Used for cooking & desserts
- SWP (Small White Pieces) – Ideal for baking & curries
- BB (Baby Bits) – Used in powdered form
- JH (Jumbo Halves) – Larger split cashew pieces
- JW (Jumbo Wholes) – Large premium whole cashews
- SLP (Scorched Large Pieces) – Similar to LWP but slightly darkened
- SSP (Scorched Small Pieces) – Darker version of SWP
- SP (Scorched Pieces) – Used in confectionery
Scorched & Dessert Cashew Grades:
- SW (Scorched Whole) – Slightly darker but same taste
- SSW (Second Scorched Whole) – More affordable than SW
- DW (Dessert Whole) – Used for bulk processing
- DP (Dessert Pieces) – Small broken pieces, mainly used in food production
Other Specialty Cashew Grades:
- Borma Cashews – Lightly roasted in the shell for extra flavor
- SPK (Super Premium Kernels) – High-end variety with uniform shape
- SWS (Scorched Wholes Seconds) – Second-grade scorched cashews
- DWK (Deep Whole Kernels) – Extra-dark cashews used in processing
- TK (Tea Kernel) – Smaller cashew pieces used in tea blends and snacks
Each variety has its unique application, whether for snacking, cooking, or bulk processing!
💡 How to Choose the Best Cashews?
🔸 For Snacking: Jumbo whole (W180, W210) or roasted & flavored cashews. 🔸 For Cooking: Regular whole (W240, W320) or broken cashews. 🔸 For Sweets & Desserts: Splits or whole cashews (W320). 🔸 For Cost-Effective Use: Broken cashews (LWP, SWP).Cashews are not just delicious but also packed with healthy fats, protein, and vitamins. Choosing the right type ensures the best taste and value for your needs. So, which cashew type do you use the most? Let us know in the comments below! 👇
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