What are W210 cashews?
W210 is a whole-cashew grade, also sold as WW210. The count uses whole kernels rather than broken pieces. A small missing piece does not always put a kernel into a broken-piece grade.
For orders using Association of Food Industries (AFI) grading, a whole kernel must retain its cashew shape. No more than 1/8 of the kernel may have broken off. Check damage to individual kernels separately from the percentage of broken pieces in a batch.
Processing plain cashews can include steaming or roasting before shell removal. Ask the supplier to confirm the heat treatment used.
W210 count per kg and weight per cashew
At 200–210 kernels per 454 g, W210 gives about 441–463 kernels per kg. The calculated average weight is 2.16–2.27 g per kernel. Individual cashews do not have to weigh within this calculated range.
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Whole kernels per 454 g | 200–210 |
| Approximate whole kernels per kg | 441–463 |
| Calculated average weight per kernel (g) | 2.16–2.27 |
Why W210 count ranges differ
Count ranges depend on the grading rules used for an order. Under AFI grading, size 210 covers 180–210 kernels per lb. The separate kilogram range is 395–465 kernels per kg.
For a 454 g sample, 190 whole kernels fall below the 200–210 requirement. The same sample can still meet the broader AFI count requirement. Confirm the count range and sample weight on the quote. Check colour and whole-kernel condition separately.
W210 length, width and thickness
W210 kernels vary in length, width and thickness. The averages below apply to a 50-kernel sample at 5% dry-basis moisture. That is 5 g water per 100 g dry material.
| Measurement | Sample average (mm) |
|---|---|
| Length | 26.1 |
| Width | 17.4 |
| Thickness | 12.7 |
The W180 sample from the same measurements averaged 26.3 mm in length. W210 averaged 26.1 mm. Similar lengths can still belong to different count grades. Width, thickness and weight can differ even when lengths look similar.
W210 or W240 for whole-cashew products?
Choose W210 when your product needs larger whole cashews. W240 gives smaller whole cashews and more kernels for the same weight. Compare whole-kernel counts and samples before choosing the size.
Same 454 g sample
Choose by what the customer sees
Test both grades in the finished product before ordering.
| Grade | Kernels per 454 g | Calculated average weight per kernel (g) |
|---|---|---|
| W210 | 200–210 | 2.16–2.27 |
| W240 | 220–240 | 1.89–2.06 |
For a sweet topped with 1 whole cashew, compare the topping size using both samples. Packs with the same weight can contain different numbers of cashews.
The grade number does not prove better flavour or more protein per 100 g. For nutrition comparisons, use equal weights and the same preparation, such as plain with plain. Compare the flavour of the samples.
Compare the cost per usable whole cashew
If your topping needs cashews with no broken ends, count only those kernels. Check that these kernels also match your required size. Record the purchase cost for the same weighed batch from which you counted usable kernels.
Purchase cost ÷ usable whole-kernel count = purchase cost per usable whole kernel.
Check which prices include tax, delivery and packing. The formula covers purchase cost only; add sorting or processing costs when comparing total costs. Pieces left after sorting may still have another use. For cashew paste, compare usable weight and the result of your paste-making trial.
W210 and SW210: the colour difference
W210 and SW210 both cover 200–210 whole kernels per 454 g on the same grading basis. The difference is the colour grade. SW210 covers whole kernels darkened by heat, called scorched whole in trade.
White-whole cashews can include permitted off-white shades. For AFI first-quality orders, acceptable colours include white, light yellow and pale ivory. Colour alone cannot confirm freshness.
Indian varieties with W210 kernels
Indian cashew varieties that can produce W210 kernels include Vridhachalam-3 in Tamil Nadu and NRCC-1 in Karnataka. Kernels from the same variety can fall into different grades. Counts for nuts still inside their shells differ from counts for edible kernels.
Ask where the cashews in the offered batch grew. Growing, shell removal and packing can happen in different locations.
What the W210 grade does not tell you
W210 identifies a size grade from kernel count. It does not confirm origin, crop year, moisture, freshness, flavour, food safety or how evenly sized the individual kernels are. Write these requirements separately in the purchase specification, then verify the offered batch with documents and a representative sample.
How to check a W210 sample
Check the whole-kernel count, broken pieces, colour and condition separately. Record which delivery batch the sample represents. A display sample alone does not prove the condition of every bag.
One batch. Two separate checks.
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- Match the batch codes. Record the code with the sample results. Match it with the code on the supplied packs.
- Sample across the batch. Take material from several points in the selected packs. Use the sampling plan agreed for the order. Under AFI sampling, test portions come from a combined batch sample. One handful does not prove the condition of a whole delivery.
- Count whole kernels separately. Separate broken pieces from kernels that meet the whole definition. For AFI grading, weigh and count a 454 g portion of whole kernels. Record the weight and count, then compare with the stated range.
- Measure breakage by weight. For AFI grading, weigh a separate 1,000 g portion first. Separate and weigh the broken pieces. Divide their weight by the original portion weight, then multiply by 100. This gives a percentage by weight, not by number.
- Look for size differences. A matching average count does not prove consistent individual size. Record noticeable differences and ask the supplier to review them.
- Inspect colour and condition. Compare colour with the grade description for the order. Check for dampness, pests, mould, foreign objects and unusual smells. Do not taste food that shows possible spoilage.
- Try the sample in your product. Record existing chips or breakage before your packing or food preparation trial. Check how many kernels stay whole after your process.
Appearance alone does not prove that a batch is safe. Sample inspection does not replace required laboratory testing. Check packs for tears or broken seals and follow the supplied storage instructions. The W210 grade does not set shelf life.