Fresh Cranberry Grades and Standards

Grades of Fresh Cranberries

  1. U.S. No.1 consists of cranberries which meet the following requirements:
    1. Basic requirements:
      1. One variety or similar varietal characteristics;
      2. Clean;
      3. Mature;
      4. Firm; and,
      5. Not soft or decayed.
    2. Free from damage caused by:
      1. Moisture;
      2. Bruises;
      3. Freezing;
      4. Smothering;
      5. Scarring;
      6. Sunscald;
      7. Foreign material;
      8. Disease;
      9. Insects; or,
      10. Mechanical or other means.
    3. Color: Individual cranberries shall be at least fairly well colored, and the cranberries in the container shall be fairly uniform in color.
    4. Size: Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each cranberry shall be not less than thirteen thirty-seconds of an inch.
    5. Tolerances: In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling in this grade, the following tolerances, by count, in any lot are provided:
      1. 3 percent for cranberries which fail to meet the size requirements;
      2. 5 percent for cranberries which fail to meet the remaining requirements of the grade, but not more than three-fifths of this amount, or 3 percent, shall be allowed for cranberries which are soft or decayed at shipping point: Provided, That an additional tolerance of 2 percent, or a total of not more than 5 percent, shall be allowed for soft or decayed berries en route or at destination; and,
      3. 5 percent for containers in which the cranberries fail to meet the requirements of fairly uniform in color.

Visual Aids

Official Visual Aids are available for Purchase.  See How to Purchase Visual Aids for more details.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: