The white whole grades (W)
The "W" stands for white wholes; the number is how many kernels make up one pound (≈454 g). Fewer kernels per pound means each is larger.
| Grade | Kernels / lb (approx.) | Size |
|---|---|---|
| W180 | 170–180 | Largest — premium |
| W210 | 200–210 | Large |
| W240 | 220–240 | Large-medium |
| W320 | 300–320 | Medium — most traded |
| W400 | 350–400 | Small |
| W450 | 400–450 | Smallest whole |
Counts are indicative; exact ranges vary slightly by standard.
Scorched and broken grades
Kernels that discolour during processing are graded as scorched wholes (SW) and sell below white wholes. Kernels that break become splits, butts and pieces — lower value, but a good grading and dicing setup still turns them into saleable product.
- Scorched wholes (SW) — whole but off-colour
- Splits — kernels split along the natural line
- Butts & pieces — broken fragments
Why grading matters
Every grade prices differently. Accurate size grading and colour sorting let a processor sell each class at its correct market price — the difference between a profitable line and a mediocre one.
