Pecans in the Shell Grades and Standards

Grades of Pecans in the Shell 

  1. “U.S. Extra Fancy” consists of pecans in the shell which meet the following requirements:
    1. Free from loose extraneous or foreign material.
    2. Shells are:
      1. Uniform in color; and
      2. Free from damage by any cause.
    3. Kernels are:
      1. Well developed;
      2. Well cured;
      3. Moisture content shall be not more than 6 percent, unless otherwise specified;
      4. Uniform in color and not darker than “light;” and
      5. Free from damage by any cause.
    4. For tolerances see §51.1406.
  2. “U.S. Fancy” consists of pecans in the shell which meet the following requirements:
    1. Free from loose extraneous or foreign material.
    2. Shells are:
      1. Uniform in color; and
      2. Free from damage by any cause.
    3. Kernels are:
      1. Fairly well developed;
      2. Well cured;
      3. Moisture content shall be not more than 6 percent, unless otherwise specified;
      4. Uniform in color;
      5. Not darker than “light amber,” unless specified to a lighter color classification; and
      6. Free from damage by any cause.
    4. For tolerances see §51.1406. 

Visual Aids

  • PEC-PL-1

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

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources: