Cashew nuts, with their distinctive kidney shape, creamy texture, and rich, buttery flavor, are a beloved dry fruit across India. From enriching traditional Indian curries and sweets to being a popular standalone snack, cashews (or ‘Kaju’ as they are widely known) are indispensable in Indian culinary culture.
At Mishticue.com, where we bring you the most authentic, preservative-free Alwar Kalakand and other exquisite Indian sweets delivered pan-India, we understand the importance of quality ingredients. Cashews, like almonds, often feature in our creations, lending their unique richness and health benefits. Understanding the various grades and types of cashews available in the Indian market can help you make informed choices, whether for festive mithai or daily snacking.
India is not only a major producer of cashews but also a significant processor and consumer. The cashew industry is a vital part of the agricultural economy, particularly in the coastal states. The grading of cashews is quite detailed, based primarily on size, shape, and color, influencing their price and suitability for different culinary applications.
Let’s dive into the fascinating world of cashew varieties and where to find the best of them in India.
Understanding Cashew Grades: The Kaju Classification System
The grading system for cashews in India primarily follows international standards, often referred to by codes like WW (White Wholes), SW (Scorched Wholes), and various numbers indicating size.
1. Whole Cashew Kernels (W Series): The Premium Choice
These are the most sought-after and expensive grades, representing the whole, unbroken cashew nut. They are typically white, pale ivory, or light yellow in color, indicating proper processing without scorching.
- WW180 (White Wholes 180): “King of Cashews”
- Characteristics: These are the largest and most premium whole cashews. The number ‘180’ indicates that there are approximately 160-180 kernels per pound (454 grams). They are plump, creamy, and have a rich flavor.
- Uses: Ideal for direct snacking, garnishing premium sweets like Kaju Katli, adding to rich curries, or as a decorative topping on desserts. Their impressive size makes them visually appealing.
- Where to Buy Easily:
- Wholesale Markets: Khari Baoli in Old Delhi is the largest wholesale dry fruit market in India and a prime destination for WW180.
- Major Production Hubs: Markets in Kollam (Kerala), Mangalore (Karnataka), Goa, and coastal Maharashtra (like Ratnagiri, Sindhudurg) are major cashew processing and trading centers where you can find direct sources.
- Premium Dry Fruit Stores & Online Retailers: High-end dry fruit retailers and specialized online stores across metropolitan cities will stock this premium grade, often with detailed quality assurance.
- WW210 (White Wholes 210): “Jumbo” Nuts
- Characteristics: Slightly smaller than WW180, with about 200-210 kernels per pound. They are still considered a very high-quality, large-sized whole cashew.
- Uses: Versatile for both snacking and culinary uses where a large, visually appealing cashew is desired, such as in Kaju Curry, biryanis, or as a garnish.
- Where to Buy Easily: Widely available in large supermarkets, reputable dry fruit shops, and online platforms. Wholesale markets in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Bengaluru are also excellent sources.
- WW240 (White Wholes 240): The Popular All-Rounder
- Characteristics: This is a very popular and attractive grade, offering a good balance of size and price. Approximately 220-240 kernels per pound.
- Uses: Highly versatile – excellent for snacking, making cashew-based gravies, grinding for kaju paste (a key ingredient in many sweets), and incorporating into a variety of dishes.
- Where to Buy Easily: You’ll find WW240 almost everywhere, from local grocery stores and kirana shops to supermarkets and a vast array of online dry fruit sellers across India.
- WW320 (White Wholes 320): The Most Traded Grade
- Characteristics: This is arguably the most common and widely traded cashew grade globally, with about 300-320 kernels per pound. They are smaller than the above but still whole and perfectly shaped.
- Uses: Extremely versatile and cost-effective for bulk usage. Ideal for making cashew powder for thickening gravies, adding to everyday cooking, and often used in industrial sweet production for their creamy texture.
- Where to Buy Easily: Omnipresent across all retail channels. Wholesale markets like Khari Baoli (Delhi) and the main dry fruit markets in Mumbai (Crawford Market), Chennai (Koyambedu), and other major cities will offer the best bulk prices.
- WW450 / WW500 (White Wholes 450/500): Smallest Wholes
- Characteristics: These are the smallest whole cashew kernels, with 400-450 or 450-500 kernels per pound. They are generally the most affordable whole grade.
- Uses: Commonly used in recipes where the size of the cashew is not critical, such as in mixes, muesli, or ground into pastes for sauces and less premium sweets.
- Where to Buy Easily: Readily available in most dry fruit shops, supermarkets, and wholesale markets.
2. Scorched Cashew Kernels (SW Series): The Economical Option
These cashews have a slightly darker, yellowish, or light brown color due to slightly longer roasting during processing. They retain all the nutritional qualities and taste of white cashews but are priced lower due to their color deviation.
- SW180, SW210, SW240, SW320, SW450: These correspond to the sizes of the white whole kernels but with a ‘scorched’ appearance.
- Uses: Excellent for applications where the color is not a primary concern, such as in roasted cashew snacks, certain savory dishes, or when they are going to be ground into a paste or used in darker preparations.
- Where to Buy Easily: Found in most wholesale dry fruit markets and local dry fruit stores, often at a more attractive price point than their white counterparts.
3. Broken Cashew Kernels: Versatility and Value
These grades consist of cashew kernels that have broken during processing. They are significantly more economical and highly versatile for various culinary uses.
- Butts (B): Kernels broken crosswise, usually less than 7/8 but not less than 3/8 of a whole kernel.
- Splits (S): Kernels that have split lengthwise into two halves.
- Large White Pieces (LWP): Larger broken pieces.
- Small White Pieces (SWP): Smaller broken pieces.
- Baby Bits (BB): The smallest fragments of cashew kernels.
- Uses:
- Sweets: Broken cashews are incredibly popular for making traditional Indian sweets like Kaju Barfi (especially for its texture), Kaju Pista Roll, or for grinding into a fine cashew powder (Kaju Chura) for various sweet and savory applications.
- Thickeners: Cashew pieces are perfect for creating rich, creamy gravies in dishes like Shahi Paneer, Navratan Korma, and other Mughlai preparations.
- Baking & Granola: Small pieces and baby bits are ideal for baking, adding to granola, energy bars, or as a base for vegan cheeses and nut milks.
- Where to Buy Easily: Available widely in all dry fruit shops, supermarkets, and especially in bulk at wholesale dry fruit markets across India, such as Khari Baoli (Delhi), Crawford Market (Mumbai), and markets in Kerala’s cashew processing towns.
Best Markets for Cashews in India: Sourcing Your Kaju Needs
Given India’s significant role in cashew production and processing, you have excellent options for purchasing:
- Coastal States (Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha): These states are the heartland of cashew cultivation and processing.
- Kollam (Kerala): Often referred to as the “Cashew Capital of the World,” Kollam is a primary hub for cashew processing and trade. You can find processors and exporters offering all grades directly.
- Mangalore (Karnataka): Another major processing center with a strong network of traders.
- Goa & Konkan Coast (Maharashtra): Known for their cashew plantations and local processing units.
- Specific Markets: While not always named “wholesale markets” in the traditional sense, directly contacting processors or large-scale traders in these regions is the best way to get competitive bulk prices.
- Major Metropolitan Wholesale Markets:
- Khari Baoli (Old Delhi): The undisputed champion of wholesale dry fruits in India. You can find every grade and variety of cashew, imported and domestic, at competitive prices for bulk purchases. It’s a bustling hub for retailers and large consumers.
- Crawford Market (Mumbai): A historic market with a strong dry fruit section, offering a wide array of cashew grades.
- Koyambedu Market (Chennai): A large wholesale market where dry fruit sections offer various cashew options.
- Burrabazar (Kolkata): One of Asia’s largest wholesale markets, with a dedicated dry fruit section for bulk cashew purchases.
- Online Retailers & E-commerce Platforms:
- For consumers looking for convenience, a vast number of online platforms and e-commerce websites offer a wide range of cashew grades, from premium WW180 to economical broken pieces, delivered pan-India. Look for sellers with good reviews and quality certifications. Many local dry fruit shops also have an online presence now.
Mishticue.com: Quality Cashews for Authentic Indian Sweets
Just as we ensure the unparalleled quality of our Alwar Kalakand by using only the finest ingredients and traditional methods, Mishticue.com recognizes that the best sweets begin with the best nuts. Whether it’s the large, creamy WW180 for garnishing festive Badam Katli or the versatile WW320 and broken cashews for the rich texture of Kaju Barfi and various Indian gravies, the right grade of cashews makes all the difference.
By understanding the diverse world of cashew varieties and where to source them, you empower yourself to create or select truly authentic and nutritious Indian delicacies. Explore the rich culinary possibilities that cashews offer, and trust Mishticue.com to bring you the finest, most delicious Indian sweets, crafted with the same dedication to quality that makes the humble cashew such a prized ingredient. Shop with us for the best quality Indian sweets, delivered fresh pan-India!
