Grades
U.S. Fancy.
U.S. No. 1.
U.S. Combination.
U.S. No. 2.
Tolerances
For defects of plums or prunes other than Italian type prunes en route or at destination. 12% total defects; Provided, including 8% for permanent defects; 6% for serious damage, including 4% for serious damage by permanent defects and 2% decay.
Good Delivery Guidelines:
15% total, including 8% serious damage, including 3% decay
Common Defects:
Damage by:
(a) Broken skins when unhealed except those caused by pulled stems where the skin is torn only slightly within the stem cavity.
(b) Shriveling when more than slightly occurring around the stem end or any amount of shriveling elsewhere on the fruit shall be scored. However, on President plums, shriveling may be permitted which does not extend more than 1/2 inch from the stem or stem scar. Any amount in excess of 1/2 inch from the stem or stem scar would be considered a defect. Shriveling is always considered serious damage.
(c) Internal discoloration when the affected flesh is definitely darker than normal flesh color; or, when definite dryness or pithiness of the flesh is readily apparent on a midsection cut; or, when whitish affected tissue that is dry or tough surrounds and extends more than 3/8 inch from the pit, or the equivalent of this amount when occurring in other portions of the fruit.
(d) Surface discoloration when definitely contrasting with the normal surface color of the fruit and affects more than 10% of the surface.
Serious damage by:
(a) Broken skins when unhealed and aggregating more than one-eighth inch in diameter, length or depth.
(b) Shriveling when more than slightly occurring around the stem end or any amount of shriveling elsewhere on the fruit shall be scored. However, on President plums, shriveling may be permitted which does not extend more than 1/2 inch from the stem or stem scar. Any amount in excess of 1/2 inch from the stem or stem scar would
be considered a defect. Shriveling is always considered serious damage.
(c) Internal discoloration when the affected flesh shows any dark discoloration or softening.
(d) Surface discoloration when definitely contrasting with the normal surface color of the fruit and affects more than 25% of the surface.