Cashews – YSA Ingredients

The cashew nut has a delicate, sweet flavor and a soft texture. Due to its excellent taste, comparatively low price (historically) and consistent worldwide supply, cashews have quickly become one of the most popular snack nuts in the United States.

The cashew tree is native to South America, but in the 16^th century, the Portuguese introduced it to the East African colonies and India. Many of the in-shell cashews that are grown in Africa are then exported to be processed in Vietnam and India.

Unlike other nuts, you will never find in-shell cashews sold in the store. This is because the inside of their shell contains a resin related to poison ivy that must be removed during the shelling process.

Common Sizes

SLW, LW, W240, W320, W450, 180, 210, Pieces, Buttes, Splits, LWP and SWP

Harvest Times

India/Vietnam/Indonesia: Starting in March and ending in June

Brazil: Starting in November/December and ending in January/February

West Africa: February/March

East Africa: October/November

Common Grades

Grades are used to separate 1^st class, 2^nd class, and 3^rd class product. The following terms are used to distinguish between the various grades/classes: White (W), Scorched (S) and second scorched (SS), although Brazil uses W1, W2 and W3 to specify the various grades, from light to dark.

Common Origins

India, Vietnam, Brazil and Africa