While inspecting sweet peppers it is a good idea to cut a few peppers from each sample, looking for any signs of internal defects. Cutting the pepper crosswise (at the equator), is the proper method, examining the seed cavity for the presence of mold insects or insect damage. Every now and then you may cut […]
Category Archives: Defect Identification
Sweet Peppers- Second Growth
Summer Squash- Cucumber Mosaic Virus
This unusual defect was recently spotted in a load of zucchini. It affect the surface of the squash only and does not penetrate the flesh. The surface shows an obviously mottled, poorly colored pattern. You may find this in various degrees, with some squash showing only minor traces of the defect. This defect, called Cucumber […]
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Cantaloups- Liquid in the Seed Cavity
When inspecting cantaloups it is always necessary to cut a few, looking for internal defects. You may notice some liquid in the seed cavity by lightly shaking the melon. However, melons should be cut to assure that liquid is present in sufficient quantities and that it is not merely loose seeds present. The presence of loose […]
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Garlic- Waxy Breakdown
Garlic may be one product you don’t spend a lot of time inspecting when received into your warehouse. But you should always cut a few bulbs in every sample to detect the presence of internal defects. One such defect, fairly common with garlic, is waxy breakdown. Waxy breakdown is a physiological disease and is thought […]
Field Freezing Damage
We have all seen these recent pictures from the media this past week or two. The pictures of course make things look worse than they really are. The citrus growers, spray the groves with water to allow the water to freeze and actually protect the fruit from the below freezing temperatures. The ice hanging from […]
Celery Defects
For this post I’ll let you tell me the name of the following defects pictured below. There are three different defects shown here, or technically four different defects. Can you identify them? These three stalks of celery came from one bag of celery hearts. Not to confuse you, but these defects shown here are not […]
Chayote Squash- Watersoaked Discoloration
I am sure you have noticed the watersoaked, discolored spots on chayote squash. If you take some small, exploratory slices under the discolored spots the underlying flesh will not be affected. This discoloration is considered a condition defect, meaning it will progress and become worse the longer it is in storage. Unfortunately I do not […]
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Carrots- New Root Growth
In a previous post I talked about the scoring guidelines for new top growth, for topped carrots. But what if you encounter new root growth? Is it a defect? And if so, how much is allowed? New root growth, as seen here, will exhibit small, whitish color threads or roots, growing from the carrot. This […]
Cantaloups- Black Surface Mold
On occasion I take a swipe at the USDA’s Fresh Produce Inspection Branch. This is one of those times. A produce receiver recently encountered a load of cantaloups that came in with high temps and showed some obvious black surface mold. Realizing the seriousness of this defect the USDA was called in to perform the […]
Sweet Cherries- Fresh Cracks
If you have been receiving cherries from Washington State, you have no doubt come across this defect, fresh cracks. These cracks are caused by rainy weather while the cherries are still growing on the trees. This year, the rains came while the cherries were getting ready for harvest. The extra moisture forces the cherries to […]