Names: English — Cashew; Urdu/Hindi — Kaju (کاجو / काजू); Scientific — Anacardium occidentale.

Kaju is the nut everyone loves — buttery, mild, and good in everything from a snack bowl to a rich korma to kaju katli. But not all cashews are equal: grade, freshness, and whether they're raw or roasted all change what you're getting. Here's how to choose well. Browse the full range in our Cashews collection.

In this guide

• What are cashews?
• Cashew grades (W240, W320)
• Raw vs roasted & salted
• Nutrition & benefits
• How to choose & store
• FAQs

What are cashews?

Cashews are the kidney-shaped seed of the cashew tree, originally from Brazil and now grown across India, Vietnam and Africa. Unlike most nuts, the cashew grows on the outside of a fruit called the cashew apple, and it's always sold shelled — because the raw shell contains a caustic resin that has to be carefully removed first. What you get is the creamy kernel: milder and softer than almonds, and lower in fat than most nuts.

Cashew grades: what W240 and W320 mean

Those codes on cashew packs aren't random. The “W” means whole, and the number is roughly how many kernels make up one pound — so a lower number means bigger nuts.

For most homes, W320 whole cashews hit the sweet spot of quality and value, while pieces are the smart, economical choice for cooking where shape doesn't matter.

Raw vs roasted & salted

Raw cashews are pale, soft and mild — ideal for cooking, grinding into kaju paste for curries, or making kaju katli. Roasted & salted cashews are the moreish snack everyone reaches for. Neither is meaningfully “healthier”; choose raw for cooking and lower sodium, roasted for snacking.

Cashews — 250g, 500g & 1kg

Roasted, salted or raw — fresh and sealed.

250g 500g 1kg

Cashew nutrition & benefits

Cashews are notably lower in fat than most nuts and rich in minerals. Approximate values per 28g (about 18 cashews):

Cashews are an excellent source of copper and a good source of magnesium and iron, and their unsaturated fats support healthy cholesterol as part of a balanced diet. (General nutrition information, not medical advice — see USDA FoodData Central for reference values.) Because they're rich and easy to over-snack, a small handful is the right portion.

How to choose and store cashews

Good cashews are pale ivory, whole, and smell sweet and fresh — avoid kernels that look grey, shrivelled, or smell oily and sharp, which signals rancidity. Buy from a seller with fast-moving, sealed stock. To store, keep them airtight, away from heat and light; the fridge or freezer keeps them freshest, which really matters in Pakistan's summers.

Why buy cashews from Khan Dry Fruits

Cashews are all about freshness and grade. We bring in premium kernels and pack them sealed, so you get them creamy and crisp, not stale. Expect honest pricing, fast delivery across Pakistan with cash on delivery, and bulk rates. Shop now: salted kaju 250g, roasted 500g, premium 1kg. Pair them with almonds, pistachios and walnuts, or send a gift box. New to nuts? See our dry fruits names guide. For bulk orders, email support@khandryfruit.com.

Frequently asked questions

What is kaju called in English?

Kaju is the Urdu and Hindi name for cashew. Its scientific name is Anacardium occidentale.

What do W320 and W240 mean on cashews?

They are grades based on size. The number is roughly how many cashews make up one pound, so W240 are larger than W320. Lower numbers mean bigger, premium nuts.

Are cashews healthy?

Yes, in moderation. Cashews are lower in fat than most nuts and rich in copper, magnesium, iron and zinc, with heart-friendly unsaturated fats. A small handful a day is ideal.

How many cashews should I eat per day?

A small handful, about 28g or roughly 18 cashews, is a sensible daily serving providing around 5g protein and useful copper and magnesium.

Are roasted or raw cashews better?

Both are nutritious. Roasted salted cashews are the classic snack, while raw cashews are better for cooking and for those watching sodium. Choose by use.

What is the price of cashews in Pakistan?

Cashew prices vary with grade and pack size, with larger grades costing more and 1kg packs offering the best value per kilo. See the Khan Dry Fruits cashews collection for current pricing.

How should I store cashews?

Keep cashews in an airtight container away from heat and light. The fridge or freezer extends freshness and prevents the oils turning rancid, which matters in hot weather.

Why are cashews never sold in their shell?

The cashew shell contains a caustic resin that must be removed by careful processing, which is why cashews are always sold already shelled as kernels.