What is Grading?
Grading is the process of sorting produce based on varying quality levels to determine its usability and value.
Why is grading important?
- Grading sweet oranges is essential to maintain uniformity and quality. Properly graded fruit commands higher market value.
- It enhances the keeping quality of the fruits because the infected/deteriorated fruits allow invasion of the infection on good quality fruits hence grading plays an important role in sorting out those fruits.
- It also helps in grouping up the matured, ripe and over-ripe fruit.
How to do grading?
After harvest, grading can be done according to appearance, color, maturity, quality, weight & size of the fruit.
NOTE – One can grade Sweet Orange fruits in 3 categories based on their weight and appearance.
| Grade | Specification |
| Grade 1 | Fruits Diameter > 6.5 cm |
| Grade 2 | Fruit Diameter 5 – 6.5 cm |
| Grade 2 | Fruit Diameter < 5 cm |
Source- Handbook of Horticulture
