Shelled Pecans Grades and Standards

Grades of Shelled Pecans

  1. “U.S. Extra Fancy” consists of pecan kernels which meet the following requirements:
    1. For quality:
      1. Well dried;
      2. Moisture content shall not be more than 4.5 percent, unless otherwise specified;
      3. Well developed;
      4. Uniform in color;
      5. Not darker than “light;”
      6. Free from damage by any cause; and
      7. Comply with tolerances for defects (see §51.1437).
    2. For size:
      1. Uniform in size; and
      2. Conform to size classification or count specified.
  2. “U.S. Fancy” consists of pecan kernels which meet the following requirements:
    1. For quality:
      1. Well dried;
      2. Moisture content shall not be more than 4.5 percent, unless otherwise specified;
      3. Fairly well developed;
      4. Uniform in color;
      5. Not darker than “light amber,” unless specified to a lighter color classification;
      6. Free from damage by any cause; and
      7. Comply with tolerances for defects (see §51.1437).
    2. For size:
      1. Uniform in size; and
      2. Conform to size classification or count specified.

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: