Asparagus Grades and Standards

Grades of Asparagus 

  1. U.S. No. 1 consists of stalks of asparagus which are fresh, well trimmed, and fairly straight; which are free from decay and free from damage caused by spreading or broken tips, dirt, disease, insects, or other means.
a. Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each stalk is not less than one-half inch.
b. Color. Unless otherwise specified, not less than two-thirds of the stalk length shall be the color of the lot.
c. Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:
1) For defects. 10 percent for stalks in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade other than for trimming, including therein not more than 5 percent for defects causing serious damage: Provided, That not more than one-fifth of this latter amount, or 1 percent, shall be allowed for stalks affected by decay. In addition, not more than 10 percent of the stalks in any lot may fail to meet the trimming requirement.
2) For off-size. 10 percent for stalks in any lot which fail to meet the specified diameter or length requirements.
  1. U.S. No. 2 consists of stalks of asparagus which are fresh, fairly well trimmed, and not badly misshapen; which are free from decay and free from serious damage caused by spreading or broken tips, dirt, disease, insects or other means.
a. Size. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each stalk is not less than five-sixteenths inch.
b. Color. Unless otherwise specified, not less than one-half of the stalk length shall be the color of the lot.
c. Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:
1) For defects. 10 percent for stalks in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade other than for trimming, including therein not more than one-tenth of this tolerance, or 1 percent, shall be allowed for stalks affected by decay. In addition, not more than 10 percent of the stalks in any lot may fail to meet the trimming requirement.
2) For off-size. 10 percent for stalks in any lot which fail to meet the specified diameter or length requirements..

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