United States

Department of

Agriculture

Agricultural

Marketing Service

Fruit and Vegetable

Division

Processed Products 

Branch

Grading Manual

for 

Canned Apples

January 1977

Reprinted February 1994

PREFACE

These instructions are designed primarily for Processed Fruit and Vegetable Inspectors of

the U.S.Department ofAgriculture. They are notintended to be a comprehensive treatise on
Reprinted February 1994

the subject but give background informationand guidelinesto assist in the uniform application

and interpretation of USDA grade standards and other similar specifications.

These instructions are revised as necessary without public notice and no mailing list is

maintained as public advisory of such changes.

The citation of any data, criteria, techniques, illustrations, copyrighted material, or pictorial

representationaccredited to private authorship is used with the permission ofthe individuals

or sources cited. Unless a specific accreditation is referenced, the information herein has

been compiled and/or developed from sources available to the public, as well as from

technical knowledge of personnel in the Department.

Compliance with the suggested guidelines and other pertinent information herein does not

excuse anyone from failure to comply with the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act or any

other applicable Federal or State laws and /or regulations.

ExceptforofficialUSDAinspectionaids or devices and color guides (or standards)produced

under license ofthe Department, the mentionof any supplier, patented device,product, brand

name, or equipment does not imply endorsement by the Department over any other similar,

or equally effective, material.

Information contained in this instruction is available to the public. Inquiries as to availability

of portions of this instructionand copying or reproductionprivileges should be addressed to:

Chief, Processed Products Branch

Fruit and Vegetable Division, AMS

U.S. Department of Agriculture

P.O. Box 96456, Rm. 0709, So. Bldg.

Washington, D.C. 20090-6456
Canned Apples

January 1977

2 Reprinted February 1994

INSTRUCTIONS FOR INSPECTION OF CANNED APPLES

DRAINED WEIGHT

Canned apples are usually packed without a packing medium. Some processors may add

a slight amount of water, but the liquid is usually absorbed by the fruit tissue. There is usually

little free liquid in the container, however, drained weight is required by the U.S. standards.

The net weight and drained weight are often approximately the same. A heavy pack of

canned apples with a drained weight of approximately 105 ounces and anextra heavy pack

of approximate 110 ounces may be processed for special buyers. Size of the slice will affect

the drained weight. Large slices usually have lower drained weight.

QUALITY FACTORS

Similar varietal characteristics.

Single varieties of apples are usually selected for canning. Blending of varieties, as in

applesauce, usually is not practiced. Variation of color, texture, and flavor within a single

varietyor similar varieties is normal. Only if the appearance and flavor are seriously affected

should the sample unit be graded Substandard.

Flavor.

Normal flavor and odor are required for all grades above Substandard. In evaluating flavor

and odor, consider the variety of apple used. A good, normal flavor and odor for a given

variety of apple may be noticeably different from other varieties. When optional ingredients

(spice, salt, antioxidant, sweetener, etc.) are used, the flavor and odor evaluation must

consider correct usage of these ingredients. Metal containers may, occasionally, impart an

objectionable metallic flavor to canned apples.

Color.

Apples may range from analmost pure white to yellow or orange in color. Some apples have

a greenish cast. Apples within each container should indicate similar varieties. Containers

within a lot may contain different varietal colors.

Grade A Bright, reasonably uniform, free from immature or overripe fruit and correctly

processed.

Grade C May be dull, variable in color, slightly brown, slightly pink, or slightly gray. Slight

internal discoloration is permitted.

Uniformity of Size.

Consider the average size of the units in the sample unit. Units that deviate from the average,

such as large units, small units, or both large and small units, may be removed from the

sample unit down to the required percentage, before determining uniformity of thickness.

Defects.
Canned Apples

January 1977

3 Reprinted February 1994

Exact weight sample units in 16-ounce multiples from large containers make for easier

calculation.

1. Harmless extraneous material.

Grade A Allow only a very slight amount.

Grade C The EVM may be noticeable, but does not seriously affect the

appearance or eating quality.

Substandard Seriously affects the appearance or eating quality.

2. Damaged.

Damaged includes the kinds of defects thatwould most likely not be removed

before using the product. Slight flecks of corky tissue, very slight bruises and

flecks of peel which are inconspicuous are not considered.

3. Seriously damaged.

Seriously damaged includes the kinds ofdefectsthatwould likelybe removed

before using the product. Worm holes, unsightly calyx ends, large or dark

bruises, dark internaldiscoloration, and other serious discolorations would fall

in this group.
Canned Apples

January 1977

4 Reprinted February 1994

4. Carpel tissue.

Carpeltissue is the hard, toughtissue whichsurrounds the seed cavity. Pinch

out the carpeltissue and rub it betweenthe thumb and fingers untilsofter tissue

is separated. The totalarea of carpeltissue canbe fairly accurately measured

by placing the carpel side by side on a plastic area measurement aid. Washup is easy.

Character.

Buyers usually specify the character they prefer. Some buyers prefer a hard slice, others a

slightly firm to firm slice. Canned apples are not a dessert pack. They are mainly used in

baking. The more desirable character consists of slices thatare firm enoughto stand baking

without disintegration, but are not unnaturally hard.

Well defined edges to apple slices are an indication of good character. Rounded edges

and/or slices covered with partially disintegrated apple tissue (applesauce) is an indication

of lower quality.

In determining the percentage of"mushy" apples, if a large number of slices are covered with

disintegrated apple tissue, this material should be removed and weighed or estimated and

included with the totalmushy apple material. There may be a direct relationship betweenthe

amount of 'mushy" apple material and the drained weight of apple material. Heavier packs

tend to mush more. However, some buyers are willing to accept the extra amount of mushy

material and ask for the heavier pack.