Cashews are one of the easier nuts to fake or cut corners on — artificial colouring, old stock passed off as fresh, or just poor processing. Here's what to actually check before you buy, whether it's from us or anyone else.
1. Colour
Natural, properly processed cashews are pale white to light cream. A deep yellow or unnaturally bright, glossy shade is a warning sign of artificial colouring or bleaching used to mask poor-quality stock.
2. Shape & Size
Genuine whole kernels are roughly an inch long and reasonably uniform. Be cautious of kernels that look shrivelled and dry, or conversely, unusually glossy and "too perfect" — both can be signs of poor handling or added coatings.
3. The Texture Test
Bite into one. A good cashew snaps crisp and finishes buttery, without sticking to your teeth. If it feels rubbery, chewy, or leaves a waxy residue, that's usually a sign of moisture damage, age, or poor roasting.
4. The Smell Test
Fresh cashews smell mild and slightly sweet, almost nothing at all. A musty, sharp, or "paint-like" rancid smell means the oils have gone off — don't eat it, and don't buy from that batch again.
5. How Long It Stays Good
Quality cashews, stored properly, hold their crispness and flavour for weeks. If a pack goes rancid or stale within days of opening, that usually points to old stock or poor packaging — not something you did wrong.
A Grading System Is a Good Sign
One thing worth knowing: legitimate cashew processors grade kernels by size using standard codes like W180, W210, and W240 (the number is roughly how many whole kernels make up a pound — so a lower number means bigger kernels). If a seller can tell you the exact grade you're buying, that's usually a sign they're running a real, traceable grading process — not just scooping from an unmarked sack.
Try It With Real Kernels
Every recipe and every benefit above starts with a good, honest cashew. Ours are graded and packed fresh at our own factory in Kharvate — no resellers in between. We grade every batch as W180, W210, W240, or pieces — so you always know exactly what you're getting.