Novexim > About Us > NOVEXIM CASHEW PROCESSING
NOVEXIM CASHEW PROCESSING 
♦♦ Grades and Classification

Cashew kernels are graded on how white they are (W: white, S: scorched, D: dessert), how broken they are (W: whole, S: split, B: butt, P: piece) and what size they are (180 kernels/lb, 210 kernels/lb, 240 kernels/lb, 320 kernels/lb, 450 kernels/lb).

GradeTrade nameKernel count/lbDescription
WW180White wholes<180 The cashew kernels are white, pale ivory, or light ash gray color and they are whole, not broken.
WW210White wholes200-210
WW240White wholes220-240
WW320White wholes300-320
WW450White wholes400-450
    
LBW240Light brown wholes<240 As the grade of white whole kernels but the color is darker due to overheating in the process of oil dressing or dry.
LBW320Light brown wholes300-320
SWScorched wholes 
SW 240Scorched wholes220-240
SW 320Scorched wholes300-320
SWSScorched wholes second 
    
DWDessert wholes300-360 The kernels are deep scorched
DW-Dessert wholes400-450
    
WBWhite butts  The kernels are broken in crosswise.
SBScorched butts 
    
WSWhite splits  The kernels split naturally in lengthwise
SSScorched splits 
    
LPLarge pieces  The kernels are broken into more than two pieces.
SPSmall pieces 
    
BBBaby bits  The kernels are broken into very small pieces.
 
♦♦ Processing
The purpose of cashew nut processing is to extract the nice, healthy, tasty, and nutritious kernels from the raw nuts in shell.

Cashew nut processing

Raw cashew nuts

Cashew kernels

  • Cleaning: remove foreign matter.
  • Sizing: allow the nuts roasted properly with different sizes during roasting stage.
  • Soaking in water: facilitate oil roasting and shelling stages.
  • Hot oil roasting: extract cashew nut shell liquid and make the nuts easier for shelling.
  • Sizing: facilitate shelling stage.
  • Shelling: separate kernels from shell.
  • Drying: facilitate peeling stage and also protect kernels from pest and fungal attack.
  • Peeling: remove testa
  • Grading: grade into 26 grades
  • Cleaning: remove dust, foreign matters and fumigate to prevent insect and pest attacks.
  • Packaging: packed as customer’s requirement. Usually vacuumed and sealed.