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. 

Detailed standards, Inspection Instructions & Other Resources:

• U.S. Grade Standards for Pecans in the Shell (pdf)
• Inspection Instructions for Pecans in the Shell (pdf)