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Agricultural Marketing Service U.S. Department of Agriculture
Grades of Strawberries
- U.S. No. 1 consists of strawberries of one variety or similar varietal characteristics with the cap (calyx) attached, which are firm, not overripe or undeveloped, and which are free from mold or decay and free from damage caused by dirt, moisture, foreign matter, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means. Each strawberry has not less than three-fourths of its surface showing a pink or red color.
- Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each strawberry is not less than three-fourths inch.
- Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:
- For defects. Not more than 10 percent for strawberries in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade, 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 two-fifths of this latter amount, or 2 percent, for strawberries affected by decay.
- For off-size. Not more than 5 percent for strawberries in any lot which are below the specified minimum size.
- U.S. Combination consists of a combination of U.S. No. 1 and U.S. No. 2 strawberries, except for size: Provided, That at least 80 percent, by count, of the strawberries meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade.
- Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each strawberry is not less than three-fourths inch.
- Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:
- For defects. Not more than 10 percent for strawberries in any lot which are seriously damaged, including therein not more than one-fifth of this tolerance, or 2 percent, for strawberries affected by decay. No part of any tolerance shall be allowed to reduce for the lot as a whole, the percentage of U.S. No. 1 strawberries required in the combination, and individual containers (cups or baskets) may have not less than 65 percent U.S. No. 1 strawberries: Provided, That the entire lot averages within the required percentage.
- For off-size. Not more than 5 percent of the strawberries in any lot may be below the specified minimum size.
- U.S. No. 2 consists of strawberries which are free from decay and free from serious damage caused by dirt, disease, insects, mechanical or other means. Each strawberry has not less than one-half of its surface showing a pink or red color.
- Size. Unless otherwise specified, the minimum diameter of each strawberry is not less than five-eighths inch.
- Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling the following tolerances, by count, are provided as specified:
- For defects. Not more than 10 percent for strawberries in any lot which are seriously damaged, including therein not more than three-tenths of this tolerance, or 3 percent, for strawberries affected by decay.
- For off-size. Not more than 5 percent for strawberries in any lot which are below the specified minimum size.
Visual Aids
Official Visual Aids are available for Purchase. See How to Purchase Visual Aids for more details.
Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:
- U.S. Grade Standards for Strawberries (pdf)
- Inspection Instructions for Strawberries (pdf)
- Unofficial Strawberry Visual Aid (pdf)
