Growers' Stock Strawberries for Manufacture Grades and Standards

Grades of Washed and Sorted Strawberries for Freezing

  1. U.S. No. 1 consists of strawberries of one variety which are well colored, free from mold and decay and from soft, badly crushed or split, dried or undeveloped berries and from damage caused by dirt or other foreign matter, hail, sunscald, birds, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum size shall be not less than 5/8 inch in diameter and the caps shall be entirely removed.

    1. In order to allow for variations incident to proper handling, not more than 5 percent, by weight, of the strawberries in any lot may be below the requirements of this grade.

  2. U.S. No. 2 consists of strawberries which meet all the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade except that a tolerance of 10 percent, by weight, of the strawberries in any lot shall be permitted for grade defects.

  3. U.S. No. 3 consists of strawberries which meet all the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade except that a tolerance of 15 percent, by weight, of the strawberries in any lot shall be permitted for grade defects.

  4. U.S. No. 4 consists of strawberries which meet all the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade except that a tolerance of 20 percent, by weight, of the strawberries in any lot shall be permitted for grade defects.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: