Frozen Blueberries Grades and Standards

Frozen blueberries are prepared from sound, properly ripened fresh fruit of the blueberry bush (Genus Vaccinium), including species or varieties often called huckleberries, but not of the Genus Gaylussacia; are cleaned and stemmed; are properly washed; are packed with or without packing media; and are frozen and maintained at temperatures necessary for the preservation of the product.

Grades of Frozen Blueberries

  1. U.S. Grade A or U.S. Fancy is the quality of frozen blueberries that possess similar varietal characteristics; that are practically free from defects; that possess a good character; that possess a normal flavor and odor; and are of such quality with respect to color as to score not less than 90 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

  2. U.S. Grade B or U.S. Choice is the quality of frozen blueberries that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a good color; that are reasonably free from defects; that possess a reasonably good character; that possess a normal flavor and odor; and that score not less than 80 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

  3. U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard is the quality of frozen blueberries that possess similar varietal characteristics; that possess a fairly good color; that are fairly free from defects; that possess a fairly good character; that possess a normal flavor and odor; and that score not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this subpart.

  4. U.S. Grade D or Substandard is the quality of frozen blueberries that fail to meet the requirements of U.S. Grade C or U.S. Standard.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: