What are the different grades of carrots?
Carrots are classified according to UNECE into three different classes:
1. 'Extra' class
- Carrots in this class must be of the highest quality and washed. It must be characteristic of the variety or commercial type. It must be free from defects except for very slight superficial defects, provided these do not affect the general appearance of the produce, the quality, the keeping quality, and the presentation in the package.
- The roots must: be smooth, have a fresh look, have a regular shape, be without furrows, be free from bruises and cracks, free from damage caused by frost.
- Green or purple/purple tops are not allowed.
2. Class I
Carrots in this class must be of good quality. It must be characteristic of the variety or commercial type.
The roots must: have a fresh look, the following slight defects, however, may be allowed provided these do not affect the general appearance of the products, the quality, the keeping quality, and presentation in the package: slight defects in shape, slight defects in coloring, scarring cracks, slight cracks or fissures resulting from handling or washing.
Green or purple/purple tops up to 1 cm in length for carrots not exceeding 10 cm in length and up to 2 cm for other carrots are allowed.
3. Class II
This class includes carrots that do not qualify for inclusion in the above-mentioned higher classes but satisfy the minimum requirements set out above.
The following defects may be allowed provided the product retains the essential characteristics as regards the quality, the keeping quality, and presentation: defects in shape and color, scarred cracks not originating in the axle roll, cracks or fissures resulting from handling or washing.
Green or purple/purple tops up to 2 cm in length for carrots not exceeding 10 cm in length and up to 3 cm for other carrots are allowed.
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