Cashews – Normal grade (LWP) by Olam

Olam cashews are some of the highest quality cashews available in the market. Normal grade Cashew (large white pieces)  can be used in namkeens, biscuit toppings, sweets, snacks and other food applications.

At EasyBuy, we’ve partnered with Olam, a global food and agri-business leader, to bring you the finest nuts. Sourced from the USA, these nuts are versatile, with customizable bag sizes and no minimum order requirements.

Plus, you can request samples to taste the quality for yourself. Whether you’re using them in beverages, bakery goods, or confectionery, these nuts offer a shelf life of one year.

Explore our selection and place your order now!

Applications of Cashew

Nutritional Snacks: Roasted and salted cashews are popular as a healthy and nutritious snack.

Dairy Alternatives: Cashew milk is a common dairy alternative used in beverages, cereals, and cooking.

Indian Sweets: Cashews are a key ingredient in many Indian sweets, adding a rich and nutty flavor. They are used in sweets like Kaju Katli (cashew fudge), Peda, and various milk-based sweets like Kheer and Halwa.

Desserts: Cashews are used in various desserts like cakes, cookies, and ice creams for their rich and creamy texture.

Sauces and Dips: Cashews are used to make creamy sauces and dips, such as cashew cream or cashew-based cheese sauce.

Indian Cuisine: Cashews are a key ingredient in many Indian dishes, adding richness and flavor.

Asian Cuisine: Cashews are used in Asian cuisine, particularly in Thai and Chinese dishes, for their texture and taste.

Nut Butters: Cashew butter is a popular alternative to peanut butter and is used in sandwiches, smoothies, and baking.

Plant-Based Protein: Cashews are used to make plant-based protein products like cashew protein powder and protein bars.

Beverage Flavoring: Cashew extracts are used to flavor beverages like cocktails, smoothies, and shakes.

Health Foods: Cashews are used in health foods like granola bars, trail mixes, and energy balls for their nutritional benefits and flavor.

Cashew production

Cashew production involves several steps, from growing the cashew tree to processing the nuts. Here’s a simplified overview:

1. Growing Cashew Trees: Cashew trees are grown in tropical regions. They require well-drained soil and warm temperatures.
2. Flowering and Fruit Development: Cashew trees produce small, fragrant flowers that develop into cashew apples. The cashew nut grows outside the fruit, attached to the cashew apple.
3. Harvesting: Cashew nuts are harvested by hand once the cashew apples turn yellow or red. Care must be taken during harvesting, as the cashew shell contains a toxic oil that can cause skin irritation.
4. Processing the Nuts: The cashew nuts are removed from the cashew apples and dried in the sun to reduce moisture content.
5. Removing the Shell: The cashew nuts are then shelled to remove the hard outer shell. This can be done manually or using machinery.
6. Cleaning and Grading: The cashew nuts are cleaned to remove any remaining shell pieces and graded based on size and quality.
7. Roasting and Flavoring: Some cashew nuts are roasted to enhance their flavor. They can also be flavored with spices or coatings.
8. Packaging and Distribution: The processed cashew nuts are packaged for distribution to markets and consumers.
9. By-Product Utilization: Cashew apples can be used to make juices, jams, and other products. The cashew nut shells can be used to produce cashew shell oil for industrial purposes.
10. Market and Consumption: Cashew nuts are sold in markets worldwide and consumed as a snack or used as an ingredient in various dishes and products.

Grades of Cashew:

Cashew nuts are graded based on various factors such as size, color, and quality. Here are the common grades of cashew nuts:

1. W180: This grade denotes that there are about 180 cashew kernels per pound. They are the largest and considered the most premium grade.
2. W210: This grade signifies that there are about 210 cashew kernels per pound. Slightly smaller than W180 but still of high quality.
3. W240: With around 240 cashew kernels per pound, these are smaller in size compared to W180 and W210 but are still considered a good quality grade.
4. W320: This grade indicates that there are about 320 cashew kernels per pound. They are a popular choice for snacks and cooking.
5. SW: “SW” stands for “split whole” and refers to cashew kernels that are split lengthwise. These are often used in confectionery and baking.
6. LWP (Large White Pieces): LWP refers to large, whole cashew kernels that have been broken into large pieces. These pieces are often used in confectionery and baking where whole kernels are not necessary.
7. SWP (Small White Pieces): These are small, broken cashew kernels that are white or pale in color. They are typically used in the food industry for applications where whole kernels are not required, such as in baking, confectionery, or snack mixes.
8. Splits: Cashew kernels that are broken into large pieces are classified as splits. They are used in various culinary applications.
9. Pieces: These are cashew kernels that are broken into smaller pieces. They are often used in processed foods and snacks.
10. Scorched: Scorched cashews have a slightly darker color due to longer roasting times. They have a more intense flavor and are used in some culinary applications for their unique taste.

Cashew: Prices and Availability

Cashew prices and availability are influenced by various factors including crop yields, global demand, and economic conditions in producing countries. Here’s a general overview:

Prices: Cashew prices can fluctuate based on factors such as weather conditions, crop diseases, and changes in demand. For example, adverse weather conditions in major cashew-producing regions can lead to lower yields and higher prices. Global demand for cashews, especially in emerging markets, can also affect prices.

Availability Trends: Cashew availability is largely dependent on the harvest season in major producing countries like Vietnam, India, Ivory Coast, and Nigeria. The peak harvest season varies by region but generally occurs between March and May. During this time, there is typically an increase in supply and lower prices. However, outside of the harvest season, availability may be more limited and prices can be higher.

Market Dynamics: The cashew market is also influenced by other factors such as trade policies, currency exchange rates, and geopolitical events. Changes in these factors can impact prices and availability.

Sustainability and Certification: There is a growing trend towards sustainable and certified cashew production, which can also impact prices and availability. Consumers and companies are increasingly seeking out certified cashews, which can affect market dynamics.

Overall, while cashew prices and availability can be subject to fluctuations, they are generally influenced by a combination of seasonal factors, market dynamics, and global demand trends.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cashew

What are the different grades of cashew?

The commonly available grades of Cashew are:

• W180
• W210
• W240
• W320
• LWP (Large White Pieces)
• SWP (Small White Pieces)
• Splits

Are cashews a good source of protein?

Yes, cashews are a good source of plant-based protein, making them a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Do cashews contain cholesterol?

No, cashews are cholesterol-free, making them a heart-healthy snack option.

How should cashews be stored?

Cashews should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to prevent them from becoming rancid. They can also be stored in the refrigerator or freezer for longer shelf life.

Are cashews a nut or a seed?

Cashews are technically seeds that are attached to the cashew apple, which is the fruit of the cashew tree. However, they are commonly referred to as nuts.