Cashew Kernels (Whole, Splits & Pieces)

Sourced from Trusted Indian and International Growing Belts

Cashew kernels are prized worldwide for their rich buttery flavor, delicate sweetness, and creamy texture. Krishi Global sources Raw Cashew Nuts (RCN) directly from trusted domestic orchards (across Andhra Pradesh, Goa, and Kerala) as well as certified high-yield East and West African origins. By controlling procurement at the harvest stage and processing in state-of-the-art facilities, we guarantee strict grade adherence, zero chemical bleaching, low moisture content, and fresh lot turnover for global buyers.

Complete International Grading Portfolio

We process and grade cashew kernels strictly according to the international standards established by the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI) and UNECE:

1. Whole White Cashew Grades (Snacking & Retail Packaging)

• W180 (“King of Cashews”): The largest, most luxurious whole cashew grade, yielding approximately 160–180 kernels per pound (approx. 395 kernels/kg). Ideal for luxury gifting, premium snack blends, and gourmet retail.

• W210 (“Jumbo”): Large, plump kernels yielding 200–210 kernels per pound. High visual appeal for supermarket retail packs and gourmet mixes.

• W240 (“Large”): Attractive, large whole kernels yielding 220–240 kernels per pound. Highly popular across European and Middle Eastern retail markets.

• W320 (“Standard Export Grade”): The global benchmark for international trade, yielding 300–320 kernels per pound. Offers the optimal balance of uniform size, premium crunch, and cost-efficiency.

• W400 (“Economy Wholes”): Small whole kernels yielding 380–400 kernels per pound, ideal for budget retail packaging, chocolate bar enrobing, and snack mixes.

2. Broken & Processing Grades (Confectionery, Baking, & Ingredients)

• JH (Jumbo Halves) & Splits: Whole kernels cleanly halved lengthwise along the natural suture; widely used in traditional sweets, trail mixes, and roasting.

• LWP (Large White Pieces): Clean, large broken fragments ideal for biscuit toppings, bakery fillings, and granola bars.

• SWP (Small White Pieces): Uniform small pieces used in confectionery fillings, ice cream variegates, and energy bites.

• BB (Baby Bits): Finely granulated white cashew crumbs preferred for commercial cashew milk processing, dairy-free cheeses, and paste formulations.

Processing, Cleaning, & Laser Sorting

Every consignment undergoes mechanical and optical sorting to protect kernel integrity:

• Hygienic Steam Roasting & Peeling: RCNs are steam-conditioned and mechanically deshelled to eliminate toxic CNSL (Cashew Nut Shell Liquid) residue without scorching the inner kernel.

• Mild Drying & De-Humidification: Kernels undergo controlled hot-air drying to stabilize moisture content between 3.0% and 5.0%, ensuring long-lasting crispness and preventing rancidity.

• Optical Color Sorting (BSS): High-resolution bichromatic laser sorters separate kernels into White Wholes (WW), Scorched Wholes (SW), and Dessert grades based on precise color tolerances.

• Infrared & Metal Detection: Every batch passes through multi-tier magnet grids, metal detectors, and X-ray systems to ensure 100% foreign-matter-free delivery.

Industrial & Commercial Applications

• Gourmet Retail Snacking: Dry-roasted, oil-fried, salted, spiced, or chocolate-coated for premium consumer snack lines.

• Confectionery & Bakery: Used extensively in praline chocolates, cakes, sweet pastries, and traditional South Asian sweets (Kaju Katli).

• Plant-Based Dairy Alternatives: Extensively utilized for ultra-smooth cashew milk, clean-label vegan cheeses, yogurts, and butter spreads due to high emulsification properties.

• Food Service & Culinary Ingredients: Blended into rich gravies, marinades, Asian stir-fries, and gourmet nut butter pastes.

Technical Specifications & Quality Parameters

International Quality Assurance & Certifications

Krishi Global processes, grades, and ships cashew kernels in compliance with global food safety benchmarks:

• APEDA & CEPCI Registered: Official registration for agricultural export and cashew promotional standards from India.

• FSSAI Certified: Meets Indian national food safety, processing, and hygiene benchmarks.

• US FDA Registered Facility: Cleared for commercial import and distribution across North American retail networks.

• NABL Laboratory Testing: Every consignment is independently tested for moisture content, peroxide value, absence of heavy metals, microbial safety, and zero pesticide residues.

Packaging Solutions: Vacuum Sealed & Private Label

Cashew kernels are rich in healthy unsaturated fats and prone to oxidative rancidity if exposed to atmospheric oxygen. We utilize specialized export packaging systems:

1. Bulk Export Packaging:

   • Flexi-Pouch Vacuum Packaging (Vita-Pack): Multi-layer high-barrier poly-nylon vacuum bags (25 lb / 11.34 kg or 50 lb / 22.68 kg) flushed with nitrogen/carbon dioxide gas to guarantee oxygen-free transit, packed two per corrugated master carton.

   • Hermetic Tinned Cans: Traditional tinplate canisters (10 kg or 11.34 kg) vacuumed and hermetically sealed for extended voyages and harsh climatic conditions.

2. Retail Ready & Private Label Formats:

   • Stand-up zip-lock metallized barrier pouches (100 g, 250 g, 500 g, 1 kg) featuring custom private label graphics.

   • Nitrogen-flushed packaging to maintain crispness and eliminate the need for chemical preservatives.

3. Logistics & Trade Terms:

   • Supported terms: FOB, CFR, and CIF from major Indian container ports (Chennai, Nhava Sheva, Vizag).

   • Complete shipping documentation: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, Fumigation Certificate, Packing List, and accredited Lab Certificate of Analysis.

4. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What does the “W” stand for in cashew grading (e.g., W180, W320)?

A: The letter “W” stands for “White Wholes,” meaning the cashew nut is completely intact (unbroken) and features a clean, unblemished white or pale ivory color. The number represents the kernel count per pound (lb). For example, W320 contains between 300 and 320 whole kernels per pound. A lower number indicates a larger, more premium kernel.

Q: Which cashew grade is best suited for retail supermarket packaging?

A: Grade W320 is the worldwide commercial standard for retail packs, offering an ideal balance of visual size, uniform appearance, and cost efficiency. For luxury and premium gift segments, W240, W210, and W180 are preferred for their noticeably larger visual size.

Q: How does Krishi Global protect cashew kernels from rancidity during ocean shipping?

A: Cashews contain high levels of delicate polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. To prevent lipid oxidation and rancidity, we pack all bulk shipments in vacuum-sealed multi-layer barrier foil bags (Vita-pack) flushed with an inert nitrogen-carbon dioxide gas mix inside heavy double-wall corrugated master cartons.

Q: Are Krishi Global’s cashew kernels chemically treated or bleached?

A: No. We strictly prohibit chemical bleaching, hydrogen peroxide washes, or synthetic whitening agents. All our kernels achieve their color and purity through natural steam processing, mechanical peeling, and precision optical laser grading.

Q: What is the shelf life of vacuum-packed CASHEW KERNELS?

A: Under unopened vacuum or nitrogen-flushed packaging stored in a cool (below 15°C/59°F), dry environment away from direct sunlight, cashew kernels maintain optimal crispness, flavor, and fatty acid integrity for 18 to 24 months.

Q: What is the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ) for cashew export orders?

A: Our standard MOQ for international ocean shipments is one 20-foot Full Container Load (FCL), which accommodates approximately 15 to 16 metric tons (approx. 700 to 750 cartons). We also accommodate mixed-grade container loads (e.g., combining W320, W240, and pieces) to support tailored commercial inventories.