What Are the Different Grades of Bananas?

UNECE Classification for Bananas

• Extra Class – Bananas in this class must be of superior quality. It must have all the typical characteristics and colors of the variety and/or commercial type. It must be mature, clean, well-formed, well-trimmed, and free of decay, split fingers, loose fingers, bruises, blemishes, and discoloration caused by diseases, insects, molds, latex burn, and mechanical damage. Very slight superficial defects are allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality, and the presentation in the package.
  

• Class I – Bananas in this class must be of good quality. It must have all the typical characteristics and colors of the variety and/or commercial type. It must be mature, clean, well-formed, well-trimmed, and free of decay, split fingers, loose fingers, bruises, blemishes, and discoloration caused by diseases, insects, molds, latex burn, and mechanical damage. Slight defects of the fingers, however, may be allowed, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality, and presentation in the package:
  

        - Slight defects in shape and color;

        - Slight defects on the skin due to rubbing and other defects such as sunburns and blemishes not exceeding 5% of the total surface area.

The defects must not, in any case, affect the flesh of the fruit.

• Class II – This class includes bananas that do not qualify for inclusion in higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements. The following defects, however, may be allowed, provided the banana retains its essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality, and presentation in the package:
  

        - Defects in shape and color;

        - Defects on the skin due to rubbing and other defects such as sunburn and blemishes not exceeding 10% of the total surface area.

The defects must not, in any case, affect the flesh of the fruit.