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 […]
In all my classes of teaching the inspection procedures for cauliflower I’ve never had a good picture of this defect, fuzziness on cauliflower. Describing a defect, without a good picture is sometimes difficult. When you do come across this defect you should be able to identify it, as the heads have a distinct “fuzzy” appearance. […]
You may be surprised to hear how many produce inspectors do not understand the tolerances when working with the U.S. No. 2 Grade. First off, you will rarely encounter a container that is marked or labeled as U.S. No. 2, except for potatoes. What you will routinely find are products being received as “Choice.” Choice […]
Occasionally you will come across a defect that you are just not sure what it is, or how the defect is caused. You may find the unusual defect in any commodity, and here is one someone found recently. You can plainly see the distinct watersoaking of the flesh of the watermelon. Is it second […]
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 […]
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 […]
Continue reading about Summer Squash- Cucumber Mosaic Virus »
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 […]
Continue reading about Cantaloups- Liquid in the Seed Cavity »
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 […]
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 […]
During our training classes we encounter many questions regarding good delivery tolerances, and whether loads meet or fail these specs. On December 5th, the USDA is hosting a live webinar, free to anyone interested. Listed below is from the USDA: Interpreting USDA Fruit & Vegetable Inspections: Does the shipment make good delivery? Please join us […]