A few people have been finding quite a few doubles while inspecting their cherries. Doubles are two cherries which grew together as one. I am sure you have seen this before. Many inspectors have been calling these cherries a defect. According to the USDA, the cherries have to be well formed to be considered as […]
Articles by: tyawman
Cherries- Doubles
Watermelons- Internal Discoloration
Recently I have received some pictures from different chain stores that have found this defect on watermelons. There is no external indication of problems and the QC Inspectors were curious as to what the defect was and what caused it. I have not seen this defect before and I reached out to some of […]
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Summer Squash- Surface Mold
During a recent training class, hosted by the Southeast Produce Council, we encountered some yellow summer squash that was showing quite a bit of surface mold affecting the blossom end. The class was surprised when I told them the USDA would not score this as a defect, as white surface mold is not considered as […]
Raspberries- Color
I’d like to thank my friends from Dwight for providing new information regarding color on raspberries. The USDA does have a U.S. Grade Standard for Raspberries, dated 1931. So you can see there may be some room for new information. Within the grade standard there is a color requirement for raspberries, they be well colored. […]
Storage- Best Practices
From the many training classes I have held over the years, I always seem to get a few questions related to the proper storage of fresh produce. Because warehouses are unique, most having a 32o to 36oF (0o to 2oC) room, and most have a 55o to 65oF (13o to 18oC) room, or banana room, while only some […]
Oranges- Sunken Areas
We have all come across a defect we are not sure of what to call it. The USDA allows inspectors to describe the defect when this occurs. This picture of navel oranges was sent to me by an inspector, to help identify the defect. Looking at the USDA Inspection Instructions for the three oranges, with […]
Tomatoes- Puffy
Tomatoes that exhibit signs of being puffy may be scored as quality defects. Have you ever picked up a tomato and noticed it felt lighter than other tomatoes in the carton? The surface is usually flattened, appearing as being more rectangular than round in shape. When puffy tomatoes are cut, larger air spaces are found […]
Avocados- Cercospora Spot
You may be reading this post and wondering, “what the heck is cercospora spot?” Avocados can be a bit tricky to inspect unless you are involved with the growing/shipping processes. To begin with, the USDA has issued a grade standard for Avocados grown in Florida. Mexican avocados are not “technically” covered by this standard, but […]
Honeydews- Sunken Discolored Areas
We have all seen the defect, “sunken discolored areas” on honeydews before. Of all the defects seen on honeydews this is one of the most commonly found. Sunken discolored areas occur due to various factors, but bruising or rough handling is the major culprit. Somewhere along the harvesting, packing to transportation process the honeydew was […]
Lemons- Sunburn
This will be a useful post to reference when inspecting all types of citrus. All citrus, while growing is subject to sunburn, as the direct sunlight, and heat, may at times cause sunburn to develop. Sunburn will be found on lemons (or other citrus fruit) growing on the outside of the tree, facing the west […]