Marketing and

Regulatory

Programs

Agricultural

Marketing 

Service

Specialty

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Program

Specialty

Crops

Inspection

Division

United States Standards

for Grades of 

Canned Asparagus

Effective January 20, 2017
This issue of the United States Standards of Grades of Canned Asparagus (81 FR 93572) 

supersedes the previous issue which has been in effect since June 20, 1973.

Voluntary U.S. grade standards are issued under the authority of the Agricultural Marketing 

Act of 1946, which provides for the development of official U.S. grades to designate 

different levels of quality. These grade standards are available for use by producers, 

suppliers, buyers, and consumers. As in the case of other standards for grades of fresh 

and processed fruits, vegetables, and specialty crops these standards are designed to 

facilitate orderly marketing by providing a convenient basis for buying and selling, for 

establishing quality control programs, and for determining loan values.

The U.S. grade standards and inspection instructions for all fresh and processed fruits,

vegetables, and specialty crops are available on the internet and upon request at the 

address below. These documents provide detailed interpretations of the grade standards 

and provide step-by-step procedures for grading the product.

Grade standards are issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) after careful 

consideration of all data and views submitted during rulemaking. The Department 

welcomes suggestions for improving the standards in future revisions. Comments may be 

submitted to, and copies of standards and inspection instructions obtained from:

Director, Specialty Crops Inspection Division

Specialty Crops Program,

USDA, Agricultural Marketing Service

1400 Independence Avenue, SW, STOP 0240

Washington, D.C. 20250

__________________________________________________________________________

Authority: 7 U.S.C. 1621-1627. 

Note: Compliance with the provisions of these standards shall not excuse failure to 

comply with the provisions of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, or 

with applicable State laws and regulations.

Non-Discrimination Policy: In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights 

regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA 

programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity (including gender 

expression), sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, 

political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all 

bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, 

American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the responsible Agency or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) 

or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in 

languages other than English.

To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, found online at 

http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter 

all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form 

or letter to USDA by: (1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence 

Avenue, SW, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; (2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. USDA is an equal 

opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

1

United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus

Section Page No.

Product Description, Styles, Grades, and Types........................................................ 2

§52.2541 Identity......................................................................................................... 2

§52.2542 Styles........................................................................................................... 2

§52.2543 Grades......................................................................................................... 3

§52.2544 Types........................................................................................................... 3

Fill of Container, Drained Weights, and Fill Weights ................................................. 4

§52.2545 Recommended fill of container. ................................................................... 4

§52.2546 Recommended minimum drained weights................................................... 4

§52.2547 Recommended minimum fill weights. .......................................................... 6

§52.2548 Size (diameter) of spears, tips, and points................................................. 14

§52.2549 Compliance with single size recommendations. ........................................ 14

Factors of Quality........................................................................................................ 14

§52.2550 Ascertaining the grade............................................................................... 14

§52.2551 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored. ........................... 15

§52.2552 Liquor......................................................................................................... 15

§52.2553 Color.......................................................................................................... 16

§52.2554 Defects. ..................................................................................................... 18

§52.2555 Character................................................................................................... 20

Definitions and Explanations ......................................................................................... 22

§52.2556 Definitions and explanations of terms........................................................ 22

Lot Inspection and Certification................................................................................. 22

§52.2557 Ascertaining the grade of a lot................................................................... 22

Score Sheet ................................................................................................................. 23

§52.2558 Score Sheet for canned asparagus. .......................................................... 23
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

2

Product Description, Styles, Grades, and Types

§52.2541 Identity.

Canned asparagus means the canned product prepared from clean, sound, succulent 

shoots of the asparagus plant (Asparagus officianalis) prepared and processed in 

accordance with good commercial practice as such product is defined in the standard of 

identity for Certain Other Canned Vegetables (21 CFR 155.200) issued pursuant to the 

Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

§52.2542 Styles.

(a) Spears (stalks), which may be peeled or unpeeled, is the style of canned 

asparagus that consists of the head and adjoining portion of the shoot that is 3-

3/4 inches or more in length.

(b) Tips are the style of canned asparagus that consists of the head and adjoining 

portion of the shoot that is less than 3-3/4 inches but not less than 2-3/4 inches in 

length.

(c) Points are the style of canned asparagus that consists of the head and adjoining 

portion of the shoot that is less than 2-3/4 inches in length.

(d) Cut spears (cut stalks) is the style of canned asparagus that consists of shoots 

cut transversely into pieces. The recommended minimum percent, by count, of 

heads in cut spears is given in table I of this section.

Table I – Recommended Minimum Percent, By Count, of Heads, 

in Cut Spears

Length of units: Percent of heads, by count

1-1/4 inches or less 15

Over 1-1/4 inches 20

(e) Bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed is the style of canned asparagus that 

consists of portions of shoots with heads removed that are cut transversely into 

pieces.

(f) Mixed is the style of canned asparagus consisting of two or more of the 

foregoing styles.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

3

§52.2543 Grades.

(a) U.S. Grade A is the quality of canned asparagus that possesses a good flavor; 

that possesses a clear liquor; that possesses a good color; that is practically free 

from defects; that possesses a good character; and that for those factors which 

are scored in accordance with the scoring system outlined in this section the total 

score is not less than 85 points: Provided, That the canned asparagus may 

possess a fairly clear liquor and a fairly good color if the total score is no less 

than 85 points.

(b) U.S. Grade C is the quality of canned asparagus that possesses a fairly good 

flavor; that possesses a fairly clear liquor; that possesses a fairly good color; that 

is fairly free from defects; that possesses a fairly good character; and that scores 

not less than 70 points when scored in accordance with the scoring system 

outlined in this section.

(c) Substandard is the quality of canned asparagus that fails to meet the 

requirements of U.S. Grade C.

§52.2544 Types.

The type of canned asparagus is not incorporated in the grades of the processed 

product, since the type of canned asparagus is not a factor of quality for the purpose of 

these grades. The type of asparagus may be designated in accordance with the 

following requirements:

(a) Green (all green) consists of units of canned asparagus which are typical green, 

light green, or yellowish green in color.

(b) Green tipped consists of canned asparagus spears, tips, and points, of which 

one-half or more of the unit measured from the tip end is green, light green, or 

yellowish green in color.

(c) Green tipped and white consists of:

(1) Spears, tips, and points of canned asparagus which are typical white or 

yellowish white in color, and may have green, light green, or yellowish 

green heads, and the green color may extend to not more than one-half of 

the length of the stalk measured from the tip end; and 

(2) Green tipped and white spears, tips, and points, when cut into units, may 

consist of a mixture of typical white, yellowish white, green, light green, or 

yellowish green units.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

4

(d) White consists of units of canned asparagus which are typical white or yellowish 

white in color.

Fill of Container, Drained Weights, and Fill Weights

§52.2545 Recommended fill of container.

The recommended fill of container for canned asparagus is not incorporated in the 

grades of the processed product, since fill of container, as such, is not a factor of quality 

for the purpose of these grades. It is recommended that each container of canned 

asparagus be filled as full as practicable with asparagus without impairment of quality.

§52.2546 Recommended minimum drained weights.

(a) General. The minimum drained weight recommendations in table II are not 

incorporated in the grades of the processed product, since drained weight, as 

such, is not a factor of quality for the purpose of these grades.

(b) Method for ascertaining drained weights. The drained weight of canned 

asparagus is determined by emptying the contents of the container upon a U.S. 

Standard No. 8 sieve of proper diameter, inclining the sieve to facilitate drainage, 

and allow draining for 2 minutes. The drained weight is the weight of the sieve 

and the asparagus less the weight of the dry sieve. A sieve 8 in. in diameter is 

used for the No. 2 1/2 can (401 x 411) and smaller sizes, and a sieve 12 in. in 

diameter is used for containers larger than the No. 2 1/2 can.

(c) Definitions of symbols.

(1) Xd is the average drained weight of all the sample units in the sample.

(2) LL is the lower limit for drained weights of individual sample units.

(d) Compliance with recommended minimum drained weights. A lot of canned 

asparagus is considered as meeting the minimum drained weight 

recommendations if the following criteria are met:

(1) The average of the drained weights of all the sample units in the sample 

meets the recommended minimum average drained weight (designated 

as Xd in table II); and

(2) The number of sample units which fail to meet the recommended drained

weight lower limit for individuals (designated as LL in table II) does not 

exceed the applicable acceptance number specified in table III.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

5

Table II – Recommended Minimum Drained Weights for Canned Asparagus

Container 

designation 

(metal, unless 

otherwise stated)

Container dimensions 

(inches; or water 

capacity in ounces 

avoirdupois 

as applicable)

Small, medium, or large sizes; 

and blends of these sizes

Extra-large, colossal, giant 

sizes; or blends including 

these sizes

Cuts spears, bottom 

cuts-tips removed

Diameter Height

Green tipped 

and white; white 

(ounces)

Green and 

green tipped 

(ounces)

Green tipped 

and white; 

white (ounces)

Green and 

green tipped 

(ounces)

Green tipped 

and white 

(ounces)

Green 

(ounces)

LL Xd LL Xd LL Xd LL Xd LL Xd LL Xd

8 oz. glass 8.5 oz. avdp .................. 4.8 5.1 4.6 4.9 4.8 5.1 4.6 4.9 4.7 5.0 4.4 4.7

8Z short 2-11/16 3 4.4 4.7 4.2 4.5 4.4 4.7 4.2 4.5 4.2 4.5 4.1 4.3

8Z tall 2-11/16 3-4/16 4.9 5.2 4.7 5.0 4.9 5.2 4.7 5.0 4.7 5.0 4.5 4.8

No. 1 picnic 2-11/16 4 6.6 7.0 5.8 6.2 6.1 6.5 5.6 6.0 6.2 6.5 5.7 6.0

12Z 2-11/16 4-9/16 7.6 8.0 7.1 7.5 7.3 7.7 6.8 7.2 7.3 7.7 6.8 7.2

13 1/2Z glass 14.0 oz. avdp .................. 8.6 9.1 7.8 8.3 8.1 8.6 7.5 8.0 ......... ........... ........... ..........

No. 300 3 4-7/16 9.0 9.5 8.2 8.7 8.5 9.0 7.9 8.4 8.6 9.0 8.2 8.6

300 x 409 3 4-9/16 9.2 9.7 8.5 9.0 8.7 9.2 8.1 8.6 8.8 9.2 8.4 8.8

No. 1 ta ll 3-1/16 4-11/16 9.9 10.5 8.8 9.4 9.3 9.9 8.5 9.1 9.1 9.6 8.6 9.1

No. 303 glass 17.7 oz. avdp .................. 10.3 10.9 9.1 9.7 9.7 10.3 8.8 9.4 9.4 9.9 8.9 9.4

No. 303 3-3/16 4-6/16 10.1 10.7 8.9 9.5 9.5 10.1 8.6 9.2 9.2 9.7 8.7 9.2

No. 303 cylinder 3 5-9/16 ............. ............. 10.3 11.0 ......... ............. 9.8 10.5 ......... ........... ........... ...........

No. 2 3-7/16 4-9/16 12.3 13.0 11.1 11.8 11.6 12.3 10.6 11.3 12.1 12.7 11.1 11.7

No. 2 1/2 glass 29.5 oz. avdp .................. 17.7 18.7 16.0 17.0 16.7 17.7 15.5 16.5 17.6 18.3 16.0 16.7

No. 2 1/2 4-1/16 4-11/16 18.0 19.0 16.2 17.2 17.0 18.0 15.7 16.7 17.8 18.5 16.2 16.9

No. 5 squat 6-3/16 4-8/16 41.5 43.0 37.5 39.0 39.5 41.0 36.5 38.0 41.0 42.0 37.0 38.0

No. 10 6-3/16 .................. ............ ............. .......... ......... ......... ............. ......... ...... 63.1 64.5 58.0 60.2
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

 6

Table III – Single Sampling Plan for Drained Weights

Sample size (number of 

sample units 3 6 13 21 29 38 48 60 72

Acceptance No. 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

§52.2547 Recommended minimum fill weights.

(a) General. The minimum fill weight recommendations specified in tables IV, V, 

VI, VII, VIII, and IX are not incorporated in the grades of the finished product 

since fill weight, as such, is not a factor of quality for the purposes of these 

grades.

(b) Method for ascertaining fill weights. Fill weight is determined in 

accordance with the U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables and the U.S. 

Standards for Determination of Fill Weights.

(c) Definitions of terms and symbols.

Sampling allowance code means a code letter on the Sampling Allowance 

Chart of the U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables. This letter identifies 

the appropriate line which gives the amount of sampling allowance to be 

applied to the specification average for fill weights in order to determine 

compliance with requirements for fill weight averages for a sample.

Subgroup means a group of sample units representing a portion of a sample.

X′

mmmmmm means the minimum lot average fill weight.

LLLLLLXX means the lower warning limit for subgroup averages.

LLRR XX means the lower reject limit for subgroup averages.

LWL means the lower warning limit for individual fill weight measurements.

LRL means the reject limit for individual fill weight measurements.

R′ means a specified average range value.

RRmmmmmm means a specified maximum range for a subgroup.

(d) Compliance with recommended fill weights. Compliance with the 

recommended fill weights shall be in accordance with the acceptance criteria 

specified in the U.S. Standards for Inspection by Variables and the U.S. 

Standards for Determination of Fill Weights.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

 7

Table IV – Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container designation 

(metal, unless 

otherwise designated)

Green and green tipped-spears, tips, or points 

(small, medium, large, or blends of these sizes)

X′

mmmmmm LLLLLLXX

LLRR XX LWL LRL R′ RRmmmmmm Sampling 

Allowance 

Code

8 oz. glass 5.0 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.1 0.70 1.50 E

8Z short 4.6 4.3 4.2 4.0 3.7 0.70 1.50 E

8Z tall 5.1 4.8 4.7 4.5 4.2 0.70 1.50 E

No. 1 picnic 6.3 6.0 5.8 5.6 5.2 0.80 1.70 F

12Z 7.6 7.2 7.0 6.8 6.4 0.90 2.0 G

13 1/2Z glass 8.4 8.0 7.8 7.5 7.0 1.10 2.20 H

No. 300 8.8 8.4 8.2 7.9 7.4 1.10 2.20 H

300 x 409 9.1 8.7 8.5 8.2 7.7 1.10 2.20 H

No. 1 tall 9.6 9.1 8.9 8.6 8.1 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 glass 9.9 9.4 9.2 8.9 8.4 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 9.7 9.2 9.0 8.7 8.2 1.20 2.50 I

No. 300 cylinder 11.2 10.6 10.3 9.9 9.2 1.50 3.20 L

No. 2 12.0 11.4 11.1 10.7 10.0 1.50 3.20 L

No. 2 1/2 glass 17.4 16.5 16.1 15.5 14.5 2.20 4.70 R

No. 2 1/2 17.6 16.7 16.3 15.7 14.7 2.20 4.70 R

No. 5 squat 41.0 39.7 39.1 38.2 36.8 3.30 6.90 W
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

 8

Table V – Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container 

designation (metal, 

unless otherwise 

designated)

Green and green tipped-spears, tips, or points (extra-large, colossal, giant, or 

blends of these sizes)

X′

mmmmmm LLLLLLXX LLRR XX

LWL LRL R′ RRmmmmmm

Sampling 

allowance 

code

8 oz. glass 5.0 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.1 0.70 1.50 E

8Z short 4.6 4.3 4.2 4.0 3.7 0.70 1.50 E

8Z tall 5.1 4.8 4.7 4.5 4.2 0.70 1.50 E

No. 1 picnic 6.1 5.8 5.6 5.4 5.0 0.80 1.70 F

12Z 7.3 6.9 6.7 6.5 6.1 0.90 2.00 G

13 1/2Z glass 8.1 7.7 7.5 7.2 6.7 1.10 2.20 H

No. 300 8.6 8.2 8.0 7.7 7.2 1.10 2.20 H

300 x 409 8.8 8.4 8.2 7.9 7.4 1.10 2.20 H

No. 1 tall 9.3 8.8 8.6 8.3 7.8 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 glass 9.2 8.7 8.5 8.2 7.7 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 9.4 8.9 8.7 8.4 7.9 1.20 2.50 I

No. 300 cylinder 10.7 10.1 9.8 9.4 8.7 1.50 3.20 L

No. 2 11.6 11.0 10.7 10.3 9.6 1.50 3.20 L

No. 2 1/2 glass 16.9 16.0 15.6 15.0 14.0 2.20 4.70 R

No. 2 1/2 17.1 16.2 15.8 15.2 14.2 2.20 4.70 R

No. 5 squat 39.5 38.2 37.6 36.7 35.3 3.30 6.90 W
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

 9

Table VI – Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container 

designation (metal, 

unless otherwise 

designated)

Green tipped and white; and white-spears, tips, or points (small, medium, 

large, or blends of these sizes)

X′

mmmmmm LLLLLLXX LLRR XX LWL LRL R′ RRmmmmmm

Sampling 

allowance 

code

8 oz. glass 5.2 4.9 4.8 4.6 4.3 0.70 1.50 E

8Z short 4.8 4.5 4.4 4.2 3.9 0.70 1.50 E

8Z tall 5.3 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.4 0.70 1.50 E

No. 1 picnic 7.1 6.8 6.6 6.4 6.0 0.80 1.70 F

12Z 7.9 7.5 7.3 7.1 6.7 0.90 2.00 G

13 1/2Z glass 9.2 8.8 8.6 8.3 7.8 1.10 2.20 H

No. 300 9.6 9.2 9.0 8.7 8.2 1.10 2.20 H

300 x 409 9.8 9.4 9.2 8.9 8.4 1.10 2.20 H

No. 1 tall 10.7 10.2 10.0 9.7 9.2 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 glass 11.1 10.6 10.4 10.1 9.6 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 10.9 10.4 10.2 9.9 9.4 1.20 2.50 I

No. 2 13.2 12.6 12.3 11.7 11.2 1.50 3.20 L

No. 2 1/2 glass 19.0 18.1 17.7 17.1 16.1 2.20 4.70 R

No. 2 1/2 19.3 18.4 18.0 17.4 16.4 2.20 4.70 R

No. 5 squat 44.5 43.2 42.6 41.7 40.3 3.30 6.90 W
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

 10

Table VII – Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container 

designation (metal, 

unless otherwise 

designated)

Green tipped and white; and white-spears, tips, or points (extra-large, 

colossal, giant, or blends of these sizes)

X′

mmmmmm LLLLLLXX LLRR XX LWL LRL R′ RRmmmmmm

Sampling 

allowance 

code

8 oz. glass 5.2 4.9 4.8 4.6 4.3 0.70 1.50 E

8Z short 4.8 4.5 4.4 4.2 3.9 0.70 1.50 E

8Z tall 5.3 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.4 0.70 1.50 E

No. 1 picnic 6.6 6.3 6.1 5.9 5.5 0.80 1.70 F

12Z 7.8 7.4 7.2 7.0 6.6 0.90 2.00 G

13 1/2Z glass 8.7 8.3 8.1 7.8 7.3 1.10 2.20 H

No. 300 9.1 8.7 8.5 8.2 7.7 1.10 2.20 H

300 x 409 9.4 9.0 8.8 8.5 8.0 1.10 2.20 H

No. 1 tall 10.1 9.6 9.4 9.1 8.6 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 glass 10.5 10.0 9.8 9.5 9.0 1.20 2.50 I

No. 303 10.3 9.8 9.6 9.3 8.8 1.20 2.50 I

No. 2 12.5 11.9 11.5 11.2 10.5 1.50 3.20 L

No. 2 1/2 glass 18.0 17.1 16.7 16.1 15.1 2.20 4.70 R

No. 2 1/2 18.3 17.4 17.0 16.4 15.4 2.20 4.70 R

No. 5 squat 42.5 41.2 40.6 39.7 38.3 3.30 6.90 W
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

12

Table VIII – Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container 

designation (metal, 

unless otherwise 

designated)

Green-cut spears; bottom cuts; or cuts-tips removed

X′

mmmmmm LLLLLLXX LLRR XX LWL LRL R′ RRmmmmmm

Sampling 

allowance 

code

8 oz. glass 4.9 4.6 4.5 4.3 4.0 0.70 1.50 E

8Z short 4.5 4.2 4.1 3.9 3.6 0.70 1.50 E

8Z tall 5.0 4.7 4.6 4.4 4.1 0.70 1.50 E

No. 1 picnic 6.3 6.0 5.9 5.7 5.4 0.70 1.50 E

12Z 7.5 7.2 7.0 6.8 6.4 0.80 1.70 F

No. 300 8.9 8.5 8.3 8.1 7.7 0.90 2.00 G

300 x 409 9.1 8.7 8.5 8.3 7.9 0.90 2.00 G

No. 1 tall 9.4 9.0 8.8 8.5 8.0 1.10 2.20 H

No. 303 glass 9.7 9.3 9.1 8.8 8.3 1.10 2.20 H

No. 303 9.5 9.1 8.9 8.6 8.1 1.10 2.20 H

No. 2 12.0 11.5 11.3 11.0 10.5 1.20 2.50 I

No. 2 1/2 glass 17.3 16.7 16.4 16.0 15.4 1.40 3.00 K

No. 2 1/2 17.5 17.0 16.7 16.3 15.7 1.40 3.00 K

No. 5 squat 41.0 40.2 39.8 39.2 38.3 2.10 4.40 Q

No. 10 65.5 64.3 63.7 62.9 61.6 3.00 6.40 V
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

13

Table IX – Recommended Fill Weight Values

Container designation 

(metal, unless 

otherwise designated)

Green tipped and white-cut spears; bottom cuts; or cuts-tips removed

X′

mmmmmm LLLLLLXX LLRR XX LWL LRL R′ RRmmmmmm

Sampling 

allowance 

code

8 oz. glass 5.3 5.0 4.9 4.7 4.4 0.70 1.50 E

8Z short 4.8 4.5 4.4 4.2 3.9 0.70 1.50 E

8Z tall 5.4 5.1 5.0 4.8 4.5 0.70 1.50 E

No. 1 picnic 6.8 6.5 6.4 6.2 5.9 0.70 1.50 E

12Z 8.0 7.7 7.5 7.3 6.9 0.80 1.70 F

No. 300 9.4 9.0 8.8 8.6 8.2 0.90 2.00 G

300 x 409 9.6 9.2 9.0 8.8 8.4 0.90 2.00 G

No. 1 tall 9.9 9.5 9.3 9.0 8.5 1.10 2.20 H

No. 303 glass 10.2 9.8 9.6 9.3 8.8 1.10 2.20 H

No. 303 10.0 9.6 9.4 9.1 8.6 1.10 2.20 H

No. 2 13.0 12.5 12.3 12.0 11.5 1.20 2.50 I

No. 2 1/2 glass 18.8 18.3 18.0 17.6 17.0 1.40 3.00 K

No. 2 1/2 19.0 18.5 18.2 17.8 17.2 1.40 3.00 K

No. 5 squat 44.5 43.7 43.3 42.7 41.8 2.10 4.40 Q

No. 10 71.0 69.8 69.2 68.4 67.1 3.00 6.40 V
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

14

§52.2548 Size (diameter) of spears, tips, and points.

The size (diameter) of asparagus spears, tips, and points in canned asparagus is 

determined by measuring the largest diameter across the base at right angles to the 

longitudinal axis of the unit. Units compressed in processing should be restored to their 

approximate original contour before sizing. Asparagus spears longer than 5 inches are 

measured at a point 5 inches from the top of the spear. Units 5 inches in length and 

less are measured at the base or largest cut end of the unit.

§52.2549 Compliance with single size recommendations.

Canned asparagus spears, tips, and points will be considered as meeting a designated 

size when not more than 20 percent, by count, of all the units are of the next size 

smaller or the next size larger than the diameter range of the particular size designation.

Table X

Sizes (Diameter) of Asparagus Spears, Tips, and Points 

in Canned Asparagus

Word designation: Diameter (16ths of inch)

Small 6/16 and less

Medium Over 6/16 to 8/16

Large Over 8/16 to 10/16

Extra-large or mammoth Over 10/16 to 13/16

Colossal Over 13/16 to 16/16

Giant Over 16/16

Blend of sizes A mixture of 2 or more of the 

foregoing sizes

Factors of Quality

§52.2550 Ascertaining the grade.

(a) General. In addition to considering other requirements outlined in the standards, 

the following quality factors are evaluated in ascertaining the grade of the 

product:
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

15

(1) Factor not rated by score points.

(i) Flavor.

(2) Factors rated by score points.

(i) The relative importance of each factor which is rated is expressed 

numerically on the scale of 100. The maximum number of points 

that may be given each such factor is:

Factors: Points

Liquor 10

Color 20

Defects 30

Character 40

Total Score 100

(ii) Good flavor means that the product has a good, characteristic 

normal flavor and odor and is free from objectionable flavors and 

objectionable odors of any kind.

(iii) Fairly good flavor means that the product may be lacking in good 

flavor and odor but is free from objectionable flavors and 

objectionable odors of any kind.

§52.2551 Ascertaining the rating for the factors which are scored.

The essential variations within each factor which is rated by score points are so 

described that the value may be ascertained for such factors and expressed 

numerically. The numerical range within each such factor is inclusive (for example, 17 

to 20 points means 17, 18, 19, or 20 points).

§52.2552 Liquor.

(a) “A” classification. Canned asparagus that possesses clear liquor may be given 

a score of 9 or 10 points.

Clear liquor means that the liquor may possess a typical yellow or green color 

and is fairly free from suspended material and sediment.

(b) “C” classification. If the canned asparagus possesses fairly clear liquor a 

score of 7 or 8 points may be given.
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Fairly clear liquor means that the liquor may be cloudy but not excessively 

cloudy or may possess an accumulation of sediment which may be slightly gray 

or slightly brown but is not seriously objectionable and is not off color.

(c) “SStd” classification. Canned asparagus that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (b) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 6 points and shall not

be graded above Substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this 

is a limiting rule).

§52.2553 Color.

(a) General. The color of asparagus in canned asparagus is based on the type and 

style of asparagus and the characteristic and predominant color of the units.

(b) “A” classification. Canned asparagus that possesses a good color may be 

given a score of 17 to 20 points. 

Good color has the following meaning with respect to the following types and 

styles of canned asparagus:

(1) Spears, tips, or points.

(i) Green. The units possess a good, characteristic, green, light 

green, or yellowish green color typical of well-developed 

asparagus, and the bottom portion of not more than 10 percent, by 

count, of the units, or one unit, whichever is larger, may possess 

typical white or yellowish white color not to exceed one-eighth of 

the length of the unit.

(ii) Green tipped. The units possess a good, characteristic, green, 

light green, or yellowish green color with typical white or yellowish 

white color at the base ends, typical of well-developed asparagus, 

and not more than 20 percent, by count, of the units may possess 

typical white or yellowish white color in excess of one-half of the 

length of the unit or may be all green.

(iii) Green tipped and white. The units possess a good, 

characteristic, white or yellowish white color, and may possess 

green, light green, or yellowish green heads and adjacent areas 

typical of well-developed asparagus, and not more than 20 percent, 

by count, of the units may possess green, light green, or yellowish 

green heads and adjacent areas exceeding one-half of the length of 

the unit.
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17

(iv) White. The units possess a good, characteristic, white, or 

yellowish white color typical of well-developed asparagus, and not 

more than 10 percent, by count, of the units, or one unit, whichever 

is larger, may possess green, light green, or yellowish green heads 

and adjacent areas not to exceed one-half of the length of the unit.

(2) Cut spears, bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed, and mixed.

(i) Green. The units possess a good, characteristic, green, light 

green, or yellowish green color typical of well-developed 

asparagus, and not more than 10 percent, by count, of the units 

may be green and white or white: Provided, That not more than 2 

percent, by count, of all the units may be white.

(ii) Green tipped and white or white. The units possess a good, 

characteristic color typical of well-developed green tipped and white 

or white asparagus.

(c) “C” classification. If the canned asparagus possesses a fairly good color, a 

score of 14 to 16 points may be given. 

Fairly good color has the following meanings with respect to the following types 

and styles of canned asparagus:

(1) Spears, tips, or points.

(i) Green. The units possess a fairly good, characteristic, green, light 

green, or yellowish green color typical of fairly well developed 

asparagus and the bottom portion of not more than 20 percent, by 

count, of the units may possess typical white or yellowish white 

color not to exceed one-fourth of the length of the unit.

(ii) Green tipped. The units possess a fairly good, characteristic, 

green, light green, or yellowish green color with typical white or 

yellowish white color at the base ends, typical of fairly well 

developed asparagus, and not more than 50 percent, by count, of 

the units may possess typical white or yellowish white color in 

excess of one-half of the length of the unit, or may be all green.

(iii) Green tipped and white. The units possess a fairly good 

characteristic, white or yellowish white color and may possess 

green, light green, or yellowish green heads and adjacent areas 

typical of fairly well developed asparagus, and not more than 50 

percent, by count, of the units may possess green, light green, or 

yellowish green heads and adjacent areas in excess of one-half of 

the length of the unit.
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

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(iv) White. The units possess a fairly good, characteristic, white or 

yellowish white color typical of fairly well developed white 

asparagus, and not more than 20 percent, by count, of the units 

may possess green, light green, or yellowish green heads and 

adjacent areas not to exceed one-half of the length of the unit.

(2) Cut spears, bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed, and mixed.

(i) Green. The units possess a fairly good, characteristic, green, light 

green, or yellowish green color typical of fairly well developed 

asparagus and not more than 20 percent, by count, of the units 

may be green and white or white: Provided, That not more than 5 

percent, by count, of all the units may be white.

(ii) Green tipped and white or white. The units possess a fairly 

good, characteristic color typical of fairly well developed green 

tipped and white or white asparagus.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned asparagus that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section or is definitely off color may be given a score of 0 to 

13 points and shall not be graded above substandard, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule).

§52.2554 Defects.

(a) General. The factor of defects refers to the degree of freedom from grit or silt, 

loose material, shattered heads, poorly cut units, damaged units, and seriously 

damaged units.

(1) Grit or silt means sand or any other particle of earthy material.

(2) Loose material means shattered asparagus material and cut or broken 

pieces which are less than three-eighths inch in length.

(3) Shattered head means any unit with the asparagus head broken or 

shattered to the extent that the appearance is seriously affected.

(4) Misshapen means any spear, tip, or point that is badly crooked, or any 

unit that is seriously affected in appearance by doubles or other 

malformations.

(5) Poorly cut means a unit that has a very ragged, stringy, or frayed edge or 

edges, or a unit that is partially cut, or is cut at an angle of less than 

approximately 45 degrees.
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(6) Damaged means damaged by discoloration, mechanical injury, or 

damaged by other means to the extent that the appearance or edibility of 

the unit is materially affected.

(7) Seriously damaged means damaged to such an extent that the 

appearance or edibility of the unit is seriously affected.

(b) “A” classification. Canned asparagus that is practically free from defects may 

be given a score of 25 to 30 points. 

Practically free from defects means that no grit or silt may be present that 

affects the appearance or edibility of the product; that loose material may be 

present that does not materially affect the appearance of the product; and that 

with respect to the following styles of canned asparagus:

(1) Spears, tips, and points. There may be present with respect to green 

and green tipped types not more than 10 percent, and with respect to 

green tipped and white types not more than 15 percent, by count, of units 

with shattered heads, misshapen units and poorly cut units, and damaged 

and seriously damaged units: Provided, That not more than 3 percent, by 

count, of the units may be seriously damaged, or one unit in a single 

container may be seriously damaged if such unit exceeds the allowance of 

3 percent: Provided, That in all of the containers comprising the sample 

such damaged units do not exceed an average of 3 percent, by count, of 

the total number of units.

(2) Cut spears, bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed, and mixed. There may 

be present for the applicable style not more than 10 percent, by count, of 

units with shattered heads, misshapen units and poorly cut units, and 

damaged and seriously damaged units: Provided, That not more than 2 

percent, by count, of the units may be seriously damaged or one unit in a 

single container may be seriously damaged if such unit exceeds the 

allowance of 2 percent: Provided, That in all of the containers comprising 

the sample such damaged units do not exceed an average of 2 percent, 

by count, of the total number of units.

(c) “C” classification. If the canned asparagus is fairly free from defects, a score 

of 21 to 24 points may be given. Canned asparagus that falls into this 

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule). 

Fairly free from defects means that not more than a trace of grit or silt may be 

present that affects the appearance or edibility of the product; that loose material 

may be present that does not seriously affect the appearance of the product; and 

that with respect to the following styles of canned asparagus:
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

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(1) Spears, tips, and points. There may be present with respect to green 

and green tipped types not more than 20 percent, and with respect to 

green tipped and white types not more than 30 percent, by count, of units 

with shattered heads, misshapen units and poorly cut units, and damaged 

and seriously damaged units: Provided, That not more than 10 percent, 

by count, of the units may be seriously damaged, or one unit in a single 

container may be seriously damaged if such unit exceeds the allowance of 

10 percent: Provided, That in all of the containers comprising the sample 

such damaged units do not exceed an average of 10 percent, by count, of 

the total number of units.

(2) Cut spears, bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed, and mixed. There may 

be present for the applicable style not more than 20 percent, by count, of 

units with shattered heads, misshapen units and poorly cut units, and 

damaged and seriously damaged units: Provided, That not more than 7 

percent, buy count, of all the units may be seriously damaged.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned asparagus that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 20 points and shall not 

be graded above substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this 

is a limiting rule).

§52.2555 Character.

(a) General. The factor of character refers to the degree of development of the 

head and bracts and to the tenderness and texture of the unit.

(1) Well developed means that the appearance of the head is not materially 

affected by a seedy appearance, and is practically compact.

(2) Fairly well developed means that the head may show a seedy 

appearance over the surface of the head and the head and bracts may be 

elongated but not so developed or elongated as to give a definitely spread 

or branching appearance.

(b) “A” classification. Canned asparagus that possesses a good character may be 

given a score of 34 to 40 points. 

Good character has the following meanings with respect to the following styles 

and types of canned asparagus:

(1) Spears, tips, and points. Not less than 85 percent, by count, of the 

heads are well developed, and the remaining units are at least fairly well 

developed, and with respect to green and green tipped types not more 

than 10 percent, and with respect to green tipped and white and white 
United States Standards for Grades of Canned Asparagus (January 20, 2017)

21

types not more than 20 percent, by count, of the units, or one unit in a 

container if such unit exceeds the allowances provided for the respective 

type, may be tough.

(2) Cut spears and mixed. Not less than 50 percent, by count, of the heads 

are well developed, and the remainder are at least fairly well developed, 

and with respect to green and green tipped types not more than 10 

percent, and with respect to green tipped and white and white types not 

more than 20 percent, by count, of the units may be tough.

(3) Bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed. With respect to green and green 

tipped types not more than 10 percent, and with respect to green tipped 

and white and white types not more than 33-1/3 percent, by count, of the

units may be tough.

(c) “C” classification. If the canned asparagus possesses a fairly good character, 

a score of 28 to 33 points may be given. Canned asparagus that falls into this 

classification shall not be graded above U.S. Grade C, regardless of the total 

score for the product (this is a limiting rule). 

Fairly good character has the following meanings with respect to the following 

styles and types of canned asparagus:

(1) Spears, tips, and points. Not less than 90 percent, by count, of the 

heads are at least fairly well developed, and the remaining units may fail 

to meet the requirements for well-developed heads, and with respect to 

green and green tipped types not more than 25 percent, and with respect 

to green tipped and white and white types not more than 50 percent, by 

count, of the units, may be tough.

(2) Cut spears and mixed. Not less than 90 percent, by count, of the heads 

are at least fairly well developed, and the remainder may fail to meet the 

requirements for fairly well developed heads, and with respect to green 

and green tipped types not more than 25 percent, and with respect to 

green tipped and white and white types not more than 50 percent, by 

count, of the units may be tough.

(3) Bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed. With respect to green and green 

tipped types not more than 25 percent, and with respect to green tipped 

and white and white types not more than 50 percent, by count, of the units 

may be tough.

(d) “SStd” classification. Canned asparagus that fails to meet the requirements of 

paragraph (c) of this section may be given a score of 0 to 27 points and shall not 

be graded above substandard, regardless of the total score for the product (this 

is a limiting rule).
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Definitions and Explanations

§52.2556 Definitions and explanations of terms.

(a) Head. Head in cut spears means the tip end which has been cut from an 

asparagus shoot which is 5/8 inch or more in length with respect to the green 

type and which is 3/8 inch or more in length with respect to green tipped and 

white and white types, or the upper portion of a spear which possesses a 

substantial amount of head material which has been cut from near the tip end 

and which is approximately the same length as the other cut units.

(b) Unit. Unit means any individual portion of an asparagus shoot 3/8 inch or more 

in length in canned asparagus.

(c) Percent, by count, of heads. Percent, by count, of heads means the percent 

determined by averaging the percent, by count, of heads in all of the containers 

comprising the sample.

(d) Tough unit.

(1) Spears, tips, and points. Tough unit means a unit which is not cut 

through in 5 seconds or less when tested by means of the fiberometer and 

which possesses fibrous material which is materially objectionable upon 

eating. When tested by means of the fiberometer the test is made at a 

point 1 inch from the cut end with respect to the green type and at a point 

1-1/2 inches from the cut end with respect to the green tipped type, and at 

the midpoint of the unit with respect to the green tipped and white and 

white types.

(2) Cut spears, bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed, and mixed; containing 

cut spears and bottom cuts or cuts-tips removed. Tough unit means a 

unit which possesses fibrous material which is materially objectionable 

upon eating.

(e) Asparagus fiberometer. The cutting wire of the fiberometer shall be 

0.031 inches in diameter stainless steel wire and is mounted in a metal 

frame having an overall weight of 3 pound avoirdupois. The slots in the 

block supporting the asparagus unit to be tested shall be not less than 

0.039 inches nor more than 0.042 inches in width.

Lot Inspection and Certification

§52.2557 Ascertaining the grade of a lot.

The grade of a lot of canned asparagus covered by these standards is determined by 

the procedures set forth in the Regulations Governing Inspection and Certification of 

Processed Fruits and Vegetables, Processed Products Thereof, and Certain Other 

Processed Food Products (7 CFR 52.1 through 52.83).
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Score Sheet

§52.2558 Score Sheet for canned asparagus.

Number, size, and kind of container 

Container marks or identification 

Label 

Net weight (ounces) 

Vacuum (inches)

Drained weight (ounces)

Type

Style

Size or sizes (Spears, tips, and points)

Length of cut

Heads (cut) (percent, by count)

Factors Grade Score Points

Liquor 10

“A” 9-10

“C” 7-8

“SStd” 0-61 

Color 20

“A” 17-20

“C” 14-16

“SStd” 0-131

Defects 30

“A” 25-30

“C” 21-241 

“SStd” 0-201

Character 40

“A” 34-40

“C” 28-331

“SStd” 0-271

Total Score 100

Flavor (A, C, or SStd)

U.S. Grade

1 Indicates limiting rule.