How to Check Cashews (Kaju) Before Buying
Fresh cashews are ivory-white to pale cream, mostly whole, firm and crisp, with a clean, mildly sweet smell. Dark or yellow spots, many broken pieces, a rubbery bite or a musty smell point to old, low-grade or moisture-damaged stock.
Quick checklist
- Ivory-white to pale cream colour, with no dark or yellow spots
- Whole, unbroken kernels; too many broken pieces means lower-grade stock
- Firm and crisp, not soft, rubbery or chewy
- A clean, mildly sweet smell, never musty or sour
- A dry pack with no clumping, which can signal moisture damage
What the grade on the pack means
Cashews are sold in grades such as W180, W240, W320 and W450. The number is roughly how many whole kernels make up one pound (about 454 g), so a lower number means bigger kernels. Splits and pieces are cheaper grades used mainly for cooking. A higher grade is about size, not freshness, so still check colour, snap and smell.
Signs of old or poorly stored kaju
Cashews absorb moisture and smells easily. Old stock turns slightly yellow, loses its crunch and can develop a stale or sour smell. Black specks, powder or tiny holes indicate insects.
How to store cashews at home
Use an airtight jar kept in a cool, dark place. In hot and humid months, refrigerate larger quantities. Let a cold jar come to room temperature before opening so moisture does not condense on the kernels.
How Rajput Farms checks cashews
Kaju batches are checked for colour, wholeness, crunch and smell under the Alpha Grade standard before packing.
Frequently asked questions
What does W240 or W320 mean on cashews?
It is the size grade: roughly the number of whole kernels per pound. W240 kernels are larger than W320 kernels.
Why are some cashews yellow?
A yellowish tint usually means older stock or exposure to heat and moisture. Fresh cashews are ivory-white to pale cream.
Should cashews be kept in the fridge?
In hot, humid weather, yes for larger quantities. Small amounts used within a few weeks can stay in an airtight jar.
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