Grade designations | Grade requirements | Grade tolerances |
1 | 2 | 3 |
Extra class | Gherkins must be of superior quality. They must be well developed and have all the characteristic and colouring typical of the variety. They must be free of defects. Gherkins shall be – well developed; – well shaped and practically straight. | 5 % by number or weight of Gherkins not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting those of Class I grade or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that grade with the exception of over riped fruit. |
Class I | Gherkins must be of good quality. They must be characteristics of the variety. Following slight defects may be there, provided they do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package; – slight deformation; – slight defects in colour. – slight skin defects (i.e. scratches, scars, scrapes and blemishes) not exceeding 2 % of the total surface area; The defects should not affect the pulp of the fruit. | 10 % by number or weight of Gherkins not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting those of Class II or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that grade. |
Class II | This grade includes Gherkins which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher grades, but satisfy the minimum requirements. Gherkins may have the following defects, provided they retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package.
– defects in shape and colour; – crooked and nubbed; – slight skin defects (i.e. scratches, scars, scrapes bruises and blemishes) not exceeding 5% of the total surface area. The defects should not affect the pulp of the fruit. | 10 % by number or weight of Gherkins not meeting the requirements of the grade, but meeting the minimum requirements. Within this tolerance, not more than 2% in total may consist of deformed and discoloured fruits. |
- intact, firm, sound and clean;
- fresh in appearance;
- free from any visible foreign matter;
- practically free from bruising;
- free from damage caused by pest and diseases;
- free from damage caused by low and/or high temperature;
- free of abnormal external moisture;
- free of any foreign smell and/or taste;
- free from stem or flowers
SIZE TOLERANCES:
- For all classes, 10 % by number or weight of Gherkins not conforming to the minimum size specifies, for the grade, but meeting the size requirement for that grade immediately below.