Cashews - AFI Specifications

The following is the AFI's (Association of Food Industries of New York) definition of Brazilian Cashew grades commonly traded. There are a number of intermediate grades which are not covered by the AFI - these tend to be unique to the individual factories.

Brazil historically adopted the number and lettering system to differentiate it from the Indian and African cashews. The equivalent grades are shown on the next page: EQUIVALENT GRADES.

AFI definitions of the following Terms

Counts of kernels per lb for whole grade Cashew Nuts.

The (X) represents the colour:
1 = white
2 = scorched
3 = scorched and grey and blue kernels allowed

SLW(X) - 160/180
LW(X) - 180/210
W(X)240 - 220/240
W(X)320 - 300/320
W(X)450 - 400/450

Definition of whole grades:

Cashew nuts are whole provided that not more than 1/8 of the kernel is broken off.

Definition of Broken grades:

B(X) Cashew butts are kernels which are broken crosswise in half and naturally attached. Butts which are less than 3/8 of a whole kernel lose the characteristic shape and appearance associated with butts and are generally scored as a piece.

S(X) Cashew splits are whole splits provided not more than 1/8 of the split is broken off. Splits which are 7/8 or less are graded as pieces

Definition of Pieces:

P(X) Kernels broken into more than two pieces and not passing though a 4 mesh 16 SWG sieve
SP(X) Broken kernels smaller than those described as LWP but not passing through a 6 mesh 20 SWG sieve
SSP(X) Broken kernels smaller than those described as SWP or SP1 but not passing though an 8 mesh 20 SWG sieve
G(X) Plemules and broken kernels smaller than those described as SWP or SP1 but not passing through a 10 mesh 24 SWG sieve

Tolerances

Up to 5 percent of the next lower grade or pieces at time of packing.
Whole kernels - breakage not to exceed 5% at time of packing and not to exceed 10% at time of arrival

SLW1	SLW2	LW1	LW2	W1 240
W2 240	W1 320	W2 320	W1 450	W2 450
W3	B1	B2	S1	S2
P1	P2	SP1	SP2	SP3
G1	G2	G3

Broken Kernel

One quarter or more of the original kernel has been broken off.

Pieces

Portions of kernels measuring less that one quarter of a kernel.

Damage

Any defect described in the specifications which materially detracts from the appearance of a kernel or of a lot, and lessens their marketing quality.

Shrivelled

The kernel is materially shrunken, wrinkled, and tough

Insect Injury

The presence of insects, frass or web, or evidence of boring.

Mould

A visible growth either on the outside or the inside of the kernel

Rancid

A visible breakdown of the oils in the kernels giving them and off taste

Testa

Skin adhering to any portion of the kernel

Scorched

A darkening of the kernel from too much heat when kernel is shelled or blanched

Spotting

On roasting spots or specks appear on the kernel

Name	Description	Count per lb/sieve size
SLW1	Super Large White Wholes	160/180
SLW2	Super Large Scorched Wholes	160/180
LW1	Large White Wholes	180/210
LW2	Large Scorched Wholes	180/210
W1 240	White Wholes 220/240	220/240
W2 240	Scorched Wholes 220/240	220/240
W1 320	White Wholes 300/320	300/320
W2 320	Scorched Wholes 300/320	300/320
W3	Third Quality Wholes (discoloured)	-
W4	Fourth Quality Wholes (white and lightly spotted)	-
B1	First Quality Butts	-
B2	Scorched Quality Butts	-
S1	First Quality Splits	-
S2	Scorched Quality Splits	-
P1	First Quality Large Pieces	US no 4/4.75mm (7/8ths)
P2	Scorched Quality Large Pieces	US no 4/4.75mm (7/8ths)
P1M	First Quality Medium Pieces
P2M	Scorched Quality Medium Pieces
SP1/SP2/SP3	Small Pieces (first/scorched/third quality)	US no 7/2.80mm (5/8ths)
SSP1/SSP2/SSP3	Small Pieces (first/scorched/third quality)	US no 8/2.36mm (5/8ths)
G1/G2/G3	Granules (first/scorched/third quality)	US no 12/1.70mm (fragments)
X1/X2/X3	Small Granules (first/scorched/third quality)	US no 14/1.19mm (fragments)
F1/F2	Meal/Flour/Farinha (first/lightly spotted)	falls through US no 14/1.19mm