Comments on: Tomatoes- Sizing http://www.ipt.us.com/produce-defects-and-grade-standard-changes/tomatoes-sizing Fresh produce inspection training Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:04:55 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: tyawman http://www.ipt.us.com/produce-defects-and-grade-standard-changes/tomatoes-sizing/comment-page-1#comment-358 tyawman Thu, 24 Dec 2009 14:00:28 +0000 http://ipt.us.com/?p=1208#comment-358 Thank you for your question. I am sorry to say I do not have a presentation explaining the proper procedure for sizing tomatoes as I rely on demonstrations during grading exercises to train the participants. When sizing the tomatoes you have to first determine which sizer you should be using. If the cartons are marked to numerical sizes (6x6 or 5x6) you would use the Florida sizer. If the cartons are marked with size designations (medium, large, etc.) you would use the USDA sizer. To use the sizer, let's say the cartons are marked as 6x6. Using the Florida sizer for 6x6 you will notice two holes, one for measuring the minimum diameter and one for measuring the maximum diameter. <strong>In other words for a tomato to be designated as a 6x6 it must not pass through the small hole, but it must pass through the large hole.</strong> When measuring for the minimum diameter the tomato must be held with the stem up; and if it falls through the hole it is too small, or undersize. When measuring a tomato for the maximum size you are allowed to roll the tomato around to see if it passes through the larger hole in any direction. If the tomato is too large and does not pass through the opening it is considered oversize. I hope I was able to answer your question. Let me know if I can be of further help. Thank you for your question. I am sorry to say I do not have a presentation explaining the proper procedure for sizing tomatoes as I rely on demonstrations during grading exercises to train the participants.

When sizing the tomatoes you have to first determine which sizer you should be using. If the cartons are marked to numerical sizes (6×6 or 5×6) you would use the Florida sizer. If the cartons are marked with size designations (medium, large, etc.) you would use the USDA sizer.

To use the sizer, let’s say the cartons are marked as 6×6. Using the Florida sizer for 6×6 you will notice two holes, one for measuring the minimum diameter and one for measuring the maximum diameter.
In other words for a tomato to be designated as a 6×6 it must not pass through the small hole, but it must pass through the large hole.

When measuring for the minimum diameter the tomato must be held with the stem up; and if it falls through the hole it is too small, or undersize. When measuring a tomato for the maximum size you are allowed to roll the tomato around to see if it passes through the larger hole in any direction. If the tomato is too large and does not pass through the opening it is considered oversize.

I hope I was able to answer your question. Let me know if I can be of further help.

]]> By: Jaime E. Marrero http://www.ipt.us.com/produce-defects-and-grade-standard-changes/tomatoes-sizing/comment-page-1#comment-357 Jaime E. Marrero Wed, 23 Dec 2009 23:50:26 +0000 http://ipt.us.com/?p=1208#comment-357 Greetings, I purchased both sizers, but I'm not sure how to use it. Do you know of a presentation (Youtube or PowerPoint) that explain how to use them? Greetings,

I purchased both sizers, but I’m not sure how to use it. Do you know of a presentation (Youtube or PowerPoint) that explain how to use them?

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