When used, spraying is done to protect apples from insects and disease. Once the fruit is picked and in storage, it must be inspected before it can be sold. When grading is done, the inspectors take a random number of apples and grade them. They do not grade every single apple in a crop. The inspectors give apples different grades depending on their quality.
Apples can have a number one or a number two grade.
A number one grade is the best. Apples are graded on their size, their defects and their ripeness. Once the apples are graded, they are ready to be packaged. When sold fresh apples are packaged mainly in boxes and bags while processed apples tend to be bottled, bagged or canned. Boxing fresh apples helps prevent bruising and is an economical way to ship bulk product.