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Fresh Produce. Chapter 4. Fresh Produce Selection Factors. Intended Use – an apple used in a display will need to be of higher quality than one used in a fruit cup where it will be camouflaged. Exact Name – Is the variety. Ex: Romaine Lettuce. What are some other exact names?.
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Fresh Produce Chapter 4
Fresh Produce Selection Factors • Intended Use – an apple used in a display will need to be of higher quality than one used in a fruit cup where it will be camouflaged. • Exact Name – Is the variety. Ex: Romaine Lettuce. What are some other exact names?
Fresh Produce Selection Factors • U.S. Government Grades • USDA’s AMS sets the grade standards for approximately 150 types of fruits, vegetables, and nuts. • www.ams.usda.gov/fv • Different products have different grading schedules. • PMA Fresh Produce Manual www.pma.com
Commonly Used Grading Terminology • Fancy – the top quality produced; represents about 1 % of all produce. • No. 1 – the bulk of items produced; the grade that most retailers purchase. • Commercial – slightly less quality than U.S. No. 1. U. S. Fancy vegetables are of more Uniform shape and have fewer defects than U.S. No. 1. U.S. No. 1 Vegetables of this grade should be tender and fresh-appearing, have good color, and be relatively free from bruises and decay. U.S. No. 2 and No. 3 Have lower quality requirements than Fancy or No. 1, all grades are nutritious. The differences are mainly in appearance, waste, and preference.
Fresh Produce Selection Factors • Packers’ brands- most states require the name be registered with state’s department of agriculture. • NOTrequired to purchase the U.S government grading services, MUST government inspections = mandatory.
Fresh Produce Selection • Product size • Box count, lug, or piece per pound • Lug “4 by 5” • Item Size “3 to 1” • Size of container –layers in a flat. • Packaging material –fiberboard or thin brown paper.
Fresh Produce Selection • Packaging procedure • Layered produce is generally in between sheets of paper or cardboard. • Slab packaging may save money but this type of random packaging may cause a decrease in yield. • Some products are wrapped individually or placed in “cell pack” to preserve appearance.
Fresh Produce Selection • Minimum weight per case – assures buyers of minimum acceptable weight . There is shrinkage or dehydration while in transit. • Product yield • Point of origin –differences in quality, texture, appearance and taste that accompany products from different parts of the world. BLUEBERRY REAL FRUIT BASE Description: IQF Blueberries are diced, heated and mixed with a sweetened, thickened Sauce. • Berry Up! is packed in 35 oz. net weight plastic bottles and frozen to maximize product quality. Ingredients: Blueberries, Sugar, Water, Natural Flavor, Guar Gum and Xanthan Gum. Physical Properties: • Brix: 30-34 • pH: 3.0-3.8 • Viscosity: Thick but pourable • Piece Size: Chunky berry pieces should pass through a 6mm straw • Color: Blue purple typical of blueberries • Flavor: Typical of ripe blueberries Shipping Information: • Case Pack: 12 bottles • Gross Wt.: 11.9 kg (29 pounds) • Case Dimensions: 10.25”L x 12.5” W x 10.25” H
Fresh Produce Selection • Preservation method –storage conditions within the distribution channel affect quality and availability of produce. • Refrigeration • Waxing – Mother Nature • What fruits and vegetables are waxed?
Fresh Produce Selection • Organically Grown –www.ams.usda.gov/nop • Hydroponically grown produce is grown in nutrient rich water and has been become popular with fine-dining establishments that are willing to pay the premium price. • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHBhyqowSEc
Fresh Produce Selection • Intended use • Exact name • U.S. grade • Product size • Size of container • Type of packaging material • Packaging procedure • Minimum weight per case • Product yield • Point of origin • Color • Product form • Degree of ripeness • Ripening process used • Preservation Method
Fresh Produce Specifications at your establishment • Cauliflower, white • Used for side dish for all entrées • U.S. No. 1 (high) • 12 count • 18 – to 25-pound carton • Moisture-proof fiberboard • Pretrimmed heads • Fresh, refrigerated • Fully ripened