Beet Greens Grades and Standards

Grades of Beet Greens

  1. U.S. No. 1 consists of beet greens of similar varietal characteristics which are fresh, fairly clean, fairly tender, well trimmed and which are free from decay, weeds, grass, other kinds of leaves or other foreign material, and from damage caused by discoloration, freezing, disease, insects or mechanical or other means.
    1. In the case of beet greens with roots attached, the roots shall be free from damage by any cause, and the maximum diameter of the root shall not be larger than five-eighths inch.
    2. The leaf blades of beet greens shall not be longer than 6-1/2 inches.
    3. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances shall be permitted (see §§51.2863 and 51.2864):
      1. For over-size roots. 5 percent for beet greens with roots in any lot which are larger than five-eighths inch in diameter;
      2. For over-size leaf blades. 3 percent for beet leaves in any lot which are longer than 6-1/2 inches;
      3. For mixtures of whole plants, clusters and leaves. Not more than 10 percent of the beet greens may consist of cut leaves in a lot consisting of plants, and not more than 3 percent of the beet greens may consist of whole plants and clusters in a lot consisting of cut leaves; 
      4. For leaves other than beet leaves, weeds, grass or other foreign material. Not more than 3 pieces in a 1 pound sample; and,
      5. For other defects. Not more than a total of 10 percent, but not more than one-half of this tolerance, or 5 percent shall be allowed for defects causing serious damage, including therein not more than 1 percent for decay.

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