Shelled Walnuts Grades and Standards

Grades of Shelled Walnuts 

  1. U.S. No. 1 consists of portions of walnut kernels which are well dried, clean, free from shell, foreign material, insect injury, decay, rancidity, and free from damage caused by shriveling, mold, discoloration of the meat, or other means. (See §51.2280.)
    1. Color shall be specified in connection with this grade in terms of “extra light,” “light,” “light amber,” or “amber” from the USDA Walnut Color Chart or in terms of “red” color. The color classifications in the USDA Walnut Color Chart shall not apply to “red” color. Furthermore, “red” color shall not be mixed with “extra light,” “light,” “light amber,” or “amber” colors. (See §51.2281 and §51.2282.)
    2. Size shall be specified in connection with this grade in terms of one of the size classifications. (See §51.2284 and §51.2285.)
  2. U.S. Commercial consists of portions of walnut kernels which meet the requirements of U.S. No. 1 grade, except for increased tolerances. (See §51.2280.)
    1. Color of walnuts based on the USDA Walnut Color Chart shall be not darker than the “amber” classification. There are no color requirements for “red” color. Color may be specified in connection with the grade in terms of one of the color classifications in the USDA Walnut Color Chart or “red” color. “Red” color shall not be mixed with “extra light,” “light,” “light amber,” or “amber” colors. (See §51.2281 and §51.2282.)
    2. Size shall be specified in connection with this grade in terms of one of the size classifications. (See §51.2284 and §51.2285.)

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