Bunched Shallots Grades and Standards

Grades of Bunched Shallots

  1. U.S. No. 1 shall consist of shallots of similar varietal characteristics, which are fairly well formed, firm, young and tender, well trimmed, fairly clean, free from decay, and from damage caused by seedstems, foreign material, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. The tops shall be fresh, of good green color, and free from damage caused by broken or bruised leaves.
    1. Unless otherwise specified, the overall length (roots excepted) of the shallots shall not exceed 22 inches and the shallots shall be not less than one-fourth of an inch or more than three-fourths of an inch in diameter.
    2. Tolerance for defects. In order to allow for variations, other than size, incident to proper grading and handling, not more than a total of 10 percent, by count, of the shallots in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of this grade, but not more than 5 percent shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage, including not more than 2 percent for shallots affected by decay.
    3. Tolerance for size. Not more than a total of 10 percent, by count, of the shallots in any lot may fail to meet the requirements as to the specified length, minimum diameter, or maximum diameter, but not more than 5 percent shall be allowed for any one of the requirements for size. 
  2. U.S. No. 2 shall consist of shallots which are not badly misshapen, and which are fairly firm, fairly young and tender, fairly well trimmed, fairly clean, free from decay and from serious damage caused by seedstems, foreign material, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. The tops shall be fresh, of fairly good green color, and free from serious damage caused by broken or bruised leaves.
    1. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum size of the shallots shall be not less than one-fourth of an inch in diameter.
    2. Tolerance for defects. In order to allow for variations, other than size, incident to proper grading and handling, not more than a total of 10 percent, by count, of the shallots in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including not more than 2 percent for shallots affected by decay.
    3. Tolerance for size. Not more than a total of 10 percent, by count, of the shallots in any lot may fail to meet the requirements of the specified minimum or maximum diameter, but not more than 5 percent shall be allowed for either of the requirements for size.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: