The USDA spent a lot of time developing the U.S. Grade Standard for Mangos, but they omitted a few common defects. One is the defect, sunken shoulders, seen below. This defect can be found in all varieties of mangos, and it is thought to be caused from the reaction of certain mangos to a heat […]
Category Archives: Defect Identification
Mangos-Sunken Shoulders
Pineapples- Surface Mold
Every now and then we come across a defect, assume we know how it should be scored and then find ourselves surprised when we discover the USDA has a very different scoring guideline. How about the defect, “surface mold” on pineapples? We commonly find mold affecting pineapples, usually around the base, or the cut stem […]
Nectarines- Internal Discoloration
With stone fruit season nearing, a defect you must keep an eye out for is internal discoloration or internal breakdown occuring in nectarines. Most nectarines can be stored for a week to 10 days at 40° F with little or no deterioration. They can be stored for up to 3 weeks at 31 to 32° […]
Potatoes- Blackheart
I received a few pictures the other day of a defect you don’t see too often, but I thought it may surprise a few people if they came across it. Let’s say you receive a load of potatoes and you proceed to make a few exploratory cuts, and you stumble upon this; Have you ever […]
Cauliflower- Insects
A question came my way the other day, asking “How many insects are allowed on a head of cauliflower?” Thinking the answer would be cut and dry, I reached for the U.S. Grade Standard for Cauliflower and found the answer, or so I thought. From the standard, I paraphrase, it reads: “Score as damage by insects […]
Sweet Peppers- Black Discoloration
I am sure everyone has seen traces of black discoloration on sweet peppers. On jalapenos it seems to be very common, in fact some people actually prefer jalapenos with some black showing on the surface. But is it a defect? Does the black discoloration on sweet peppers “materially affect the appearance?” What would you do […]
Lemons-Internal Decline
Every now and then you come across a defect that you have no idea what it is, or what caused it. Internal decline in lemons is one of these defects. This defect occurs in June or July and is evident until September or October, although it has been reported as early as March and as […]
Green Onions- Insect Damage
As you inspect green onions you may come across discolored tops, watersoaked tops or even decay. But you may come come across insect damage, usually seen affecting the tops. Seen above in this image, this insect damage is caused by a leafminer, insects that feed on leaves of many vegetables. The adult insect is a […]
Cauliflower- Ricey
Have you ever seen cauliflower that appears to have a grainy, or ricey appearance? Every now and then I am sure will come across this defect. This defect is called “Ricey.” Riciness occurs while growing, due to high temperatures during curd development, and is more prevalent on curds being overmature and from rapid growth, maybe due […]
Celery- Seedstems
There are few defects you should always keep an eye out for when inspecting celery; decay, scuffing/bruising and seedstems. As celery grows normally, the branches originate from the base of the plant. When seedstems develop the branches have a tendency to grow out of the center, from points above the base. The growers refer to this […]