Cashews are graded by count per pound. The W stands for white, meaning kernels that came through processing whole and unscorched, and the number tells you how many make up a pound. W320 gives roughly 320 kernels per pound, or about 700 per kilo.

This is the workhorse grade of the Indian cashew market. When a shop sells loose kaju without specifying a grade, it is almost always W320. When a sweet shop buys whole cashews for garnishing, it is usually W320. It is the default because the size is more than adequate for almost every use, and the price is a long way below the premium grades.

The grades above it are larger and cost more. W210 gives around 210 kernels per pound, W180 around 180. Both look marginally more impressive in a gift box. Neither tastes different, carries different nutrition or comes from a different source. Size reflects the cashew apple the kernel grew on.

For anyone who is not buying specifically for presentation, W320 is where the sensible money goes. It gives you whole kernels rather than pieces, at a price much closer to the broken grade than to the top one.

How to Identify Good W320

• Whole kernels of consistent size across the pack
• Even pale ivory or cream colour with no yellowing or dark scorch marks
• The characteristic curved cashew shape intact
• Very few splits, pieces or broken halves mixed in
• Firm texture with a clean snap, not soft or bendy
• Mild buttery aroma with no sour or oily smell

Cashew Nutrition

Grade has no bearing on nutrition. W320 carries exactly what the larger grades do.

• Source of plant protein and dietary fibre
• Carries unsaturated fats, magnesium, copper and phosphorus
• Lower fat content than almonds or walnuts
• Energy dense, so a small handful is a standard serving

This is general nutritional information and not medical advice.

How to Use Kaju W320

As a snack:

A handful of 12 to 15 kernels is a standard serving.

To roast at home:

• Dry roast on a low flame for four to five minutes, stirring constantly until pale gold.
• Add salt while still warm if you want the salted version.Cool completely before storing, since trapped steam softens them.
• Cashews burn quickly, so stop as soon as the colour turns.

In cooking:

• Fry in ghee with raisins for pulao, biryani, sheera and kheer.
• Garnish for halwa, barfi, rabdi and festive sweets.
• Chop into ladoo, chikki and dry fruit mixtures.
• Scatter over poha, upma and chivda.
• Soak and grind for shahi gravies, though broken pieces work identically here at a lower cost.

W320 is the grade to keep as a general household stock, since it handles both cooking and snacking without overpaying for size.

Uses for Kaju W320

• Everyday snacking, plain or home-roasted
• Pulao, biryani and sheera
• Kheer, halwa and barfi garnish
• Dry fruit ladoo and chikki
• Poha, upma and chivda
• Festive cooking
• General household stock

How to Store Whole Cashews

Cashews carry enough oil to turn rancid and absorb moisture quickly, so storage decides how long they stay good.

• Transfer to an airtight container as soon as the pack is opened.
• Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and away from the stove.
• Refrigerate during the monsoon or in humid weather.
• Freeze the 500 g pack if it will be used slowly. Cashews freeze well and can be used straight from frozen.
• Keep away from strong-smelling foods, since cashews absorb odours readily.

At room temperature, whole cashews keep for about two months. Refrigerated, closer to six.

If they soften, dry roast on a low flame for two to three minutes and cool completely.

Which Cashew Grade to Buy

Spyran stocks four options across whole and broken grades.

W320 is the standard whole grade and the most widely sold in India. Whole kernels at the lowest price among the whole grades. The sensible default for cooking, snacking and general household use.

W210 is a step larger, at a moderate premium. Worth it when a slightly bigger kernel is wanted without paying top-grade prices.

W180 is the largest whole grade. Worth the premium mainly for gifting and presentation.

Kaju tukda is broken pieces at the lowest price per kilo, with identical taste and nutrition. Best for gravy paste, kaju katli, ladoo and anything ground.