| Grading Guide: Sweet Pepper |
| Illustrated Criteria for USDA Fancy
Sweet Pepper |
A USDA Fancy Sweet Pepper is:
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or  |
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Mature Green |
Similar in varietal characteristics to others
in the box (unless specified on container) |
Firm
(not shriveled, soft, or pliable) |
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Well Shaped |
At least 3 in. in diameter and 3.5 in. long
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If not green, showing color specified on
container |
A USDA Fancy Sweet Pepper must not have any of these defects:
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Sunscald |
Freezing Injury |
Decay
(affecting calyx, walls, or stems) |
Photos below illustrate categories of defects specified in USDA Fancy criteria. Check criteria for allowable limits.
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Scars |
Sunburn |
Bacterial Spot |
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Hail Damage |
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This project made possible by financial assistance from Indiana's Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Value-Added Research Grant Program.
| Grading Guide: Sweet Peppers |
| Definitions of Criteria for USDA Fancy Sweet Pepper |
Characteristics of a USDA Fancy Sweet Pepper:
Mature Green |
Similar Varietal Characteristics |
Well Shaped |
- Has reached the stage that will withstand normal handling and shipping
- If not green, showing color specified on container
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- Peppers are the same general type, unless indicated otherwise on container
- Example: thick and thin-walled types are not mixed
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- Not more than slightly curved
- Not more than slightly indented
- Not more than slightly misshapen
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Diameter at least 3 in. |
Length at least 3.5 in. |
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- Diameter is the greatest dimension measured at right angles to the longitudinal axis.
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- Length is the greatest overall length measured parallel to the longitudinal axis,
not including the stem.
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A USDA Fancy Sweet Pepper does not have any:
Sunscald |
Freezing Injury |
Decay |
- Sunscald occurs when pepper
fruit is exposed to excess heat from bright sunshine. The skin is bleached
and sunken.
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- Freezing will cause pepper
flesh to become soft and water-soaked after thawing.
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- Decay occurs when bacteria or fungi break down the flesh of the pepper.
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Sweet peppers with damage worse than described below do not meet USDA Fancy criteria. Measurements are based on a pepper 3 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches long.
| Scars |
Sunburn |
Bacterial Spot |
- Scattered scars aggregating more than a circle 5/8 in. diameter
- Single scar more than 3/8 in. diameter
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- Discoloration affecting more than 5% of the pepper surface
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- Aggregating more than a circle 5/8 in. diameter
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| Hail |
Other Injury |
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- Skin is healed and affected area aggregating more than a circle 3/8 inch diameter
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- Any defect(s), which more than slightly detracts from the appearance, or the edible or shipping quality of the pepper
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This project made possible by financial assistance from Indiana's Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Value-Added Research Grant Program.