Cashew Grades Explained: W180, W210, W240 & W320

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Cashew grading looks cryptic, but the system is beautifully simple. W stands for white wholes — unbroken, ivory-coloured kernels. The number that follows is the count of kernels in one pound (about 454 g). So the lower the number, the larger each nut: a pound of W180 holds only ~180 big kernels, while a pound of W320 holds ~320 smaller ones.

The Grades at a Glance

Are Bigger Cashews Better?

Bigger is rarer and more expensive — but not automatically “better.” All white wholes from the same batch share the same flavour; what changes with grade is presence: the size on the plate, the bite, the impression a bowl makes. That is why W180 commands a premium for gifting, while professional kitchens happily choose W320 for curries and sweets, where the kernel is chopped or ground anyway.

What matters far more than size is quality within the grade: whole unbroken kernels, uniform colour, correct moisture, and a fresh roast. A well-handled W320 beats a stale, scorched W180 every time.

W240 vs W320 — the Choice Most Buyers Face

These are the two most traded grades in the world, and the practical difference is simple: W240 is noticeably larger and feels premium in hand; W320 is the economical workhorse. If the cashews will be eaten as they are — snacking, gifting, serving to guests — W240 is worth it. If they are headed into a grinder or a curry, W320 does the job beautifully.

Why Pretty Nuts Packs W240

Our signature retail packs — plain and roasted & salted — are exclusively W240 whole kernels: large enough to feel special, consistent enough to trust pack after pack. Each batch is A-grade sourced, drum roasted in Kollam the traditional way, and hand-checked before packing. For bulk and export requirements across other grades, send us an inquiry.

How to Read a Pretty Nuts Pack

• Grade: W240 white wholes — the classic standard
• Roast: drum roasted, the Kollam signature — read why Kollam is the cashew capital of the world
• Style: plain (no salt, no oil) or roasted & salted
• Sizes: 100 g, 250 g, and 500 g packs

Frequently Asked Questions

Which cashew grade is the biggest?

W180 is the largest standard white-whole grade, with roughly 120–180 kernels per pound — the trade calls it the King. W210 comes next, then W240 and W320.

What does W240 mean on a cashew pack?

W240 means white whole kernels at 220–240 per pound (about 454 g). It is the classic premium standard — noticeably large in hand, and the grade in every Pretty Nuts retail pack.

Which cashew grade is best for cooking and kaju katli?

W320. The kernel is chopped or ground anyway, so the smaller, more economical grade does the job beautifully — professional kitchens choose it for exactly that reason.