Parsnips Grades and Standards

Grades of Parsnips

1. U.S. No. 1 consists of parsnips of similar varietal characteristics which are well trimmed, fairly well formed, fairly smooth, fairly clean, fairly firm, free from woodiness, soft rot or wet breakdown, and from damage caused by discoloration, bruises, cuts, rodents, growth cracks, pithiness, disease, insects, mechanical or other means.
   1. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each parsnip shall be not less than 1-1/2 inches. The maximum diameter of the parsnips in any lot may be specified in terms of inches and quarter inches, in accordance with the facts.
   2. Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by weight, are provided as specified.
      1. For defects. Ten percent for parsnips in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including therein not more than 5 percent for defects causing serious damage, including in this latter amount not more than 1 percent for parsnips affected by soft rot or wet breakdown.
      2. For size. Three percent for parsnips in any lot which fail to meet the specified minimum diameter and 10 percent for parsnips which fail to meet any specified maximum diameter.
2. U. S. No. 2 consists of parsnips which are well trimmed, not badly misshapen, free from woodiness, soft rot and wet breakdown, and from serious damage caused by secondary roots, dirt, discoloration, bruises, cuts, rodents, growth cracks, pithiness, wilting, disease, insects, mechanical or other means.
   1. Unless otherwise specified, the diameter of each parsnip shall be not less than 1-1/2 inches. The maximum diameter of the parsnips in any lot may be specified in terms of inches and quarter inches, in accordance with the facts.
   2. Tolerances. In order to allow for variations incident to proper grading and handling, the following tolerances, by weight, are provided as specified:
      1. For defects. Ten percent for parsnips in any lot which fail to meet the requirements of this grade, including therein not more than 1 percent for parsnips affected by soft rot or wet breakdown.
      2. For size. Five percent for parsnips in any lot which fail to meet the specified minimum diameter and 10 percent for parsnips which fail to meet any specified maximum diameter.

Visual Aids

• Unofficial Parsnips Visual Aid (pdf)

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:

• U.S. Grade Standards for Parsnips (pdf)
• Inspection Instructions for Parsnips (pdf)