Grade designations | Grade requirements | Grade tolerances |
1 | 2 | 3 |
Extra class | Limes shall be of superior quality. They shall be characteristic of the variety and/or commercial type in shape, external appearance, development and coloring. They must be free of defects, with the exception of very slight superficial defects provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. Limes shall be uniform in colour and shall have the minimum diameter of 42 mm.
| 5 % by number or weight of limes not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting those of Class I grade or, exceptionally, coming within the tolerances of that grade.
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Class I | Limes shall be of good quality. They must be characteristics of the variety and/or commercial type. Following slight defects may be there, provided the limes retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package. – slight defects in shape, – slight defects in coloring, – slight skin defects not more than 1 sq. cm.
The defects shall not, in any case, affect the pulp of the fruit. | 10 % by number or weight of limes 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 limes which do not qualify for inclusion in the higher grades, but satisfy the minimum requirements. Limes must meet the minimum requirements and minimum maturity requirements. Following defects may be there, provided the limes retain their essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality and presentation in the package; – defects in shape, – defects in coloring, – skin defects not more than 2 sq.cm., – healed defects due to mechanical cause such as hail damage, rubbing The defects shall not, in any case, affect the pulp of the fruit. | 10 % by number or weight of limes not satisfying the requirements of the grade, but meeting the minimum requirements. |
- whole;
- firm;
- intact;
- sound, with characteristic shape of the variety;
- clean, free of any visible foreign matter;
- fresh in appearance;
- free from bruising;
- free from pests affecting the general appearance of the produce;
- free from abnormal external moisture, excluding condensation following removal from cold storage;
- free from any foreign smell and/or taste;
- free from signs of internal shriveling;