Raw cashew nuts: understanding KOR, nut count and moisture
In the raw cashew market, three figures sum up the quality of a lot. Understanding them helps you compare offers and avoid surprises on arrival.
KOR, the kernel outturn
KOR (Kernel Outturn Ratio) is the weight of marketable kernels obtained from an 80 kg bag of raw nuts. It is expressed in pounds: a KOR of 48 lbs means that an 80 kg bag yields about 48 pounds, or nearly 22 kg, of kernels.
It is the criterion that weighs most on the price. A few pounds of difference clearly change the profitability of a shelling plant.
Nut count
The nut count is the number of nuts per kilogram. The lower it is, the larger the nuts. A count of 180 to 210 nuts per kilo is common for West African origins.
Moisture and defects
High moisture encourages mould during transport. Contracts often set a maximum of 8 to 10%. The share of defective nuts (empty, immature or spotted) and foreign matter complete the analysis.
How these values are measured
Measurements are made on a representative sample drawn from the bags of the lot. The cut test counts sound, spotted and defective kernels, from which the KOR is calculated. For large contracts, an independent inspection can be planned before loading.
