STANDARDS FOR FRUITS AND VEGETABLES 127 
DEFINITIONS OF TERMS 
As used in these grades: 
‘Similar varietal characteristics’? means that the 
pineapples in any container shall be of the same type 
as regards shape, eyes, crown, and similar factors. 
For example, types like Red Spanish and Smooth 
Cayenne shall not be mixed. 
“Firm” and “mature” means that the fruit is 
not soft or shriveled and has reached such a stage 
of maturity that it will ripen properly without 
shriveling and turning yellow. 
“Well formed” means that the fruit shall not be 
curved or lop-sided and that it has a crown which 
is single and reasonably straight. 
“Free from excessive moisture”. means that the 
fruit shall be reasonably dry, and if picked while 
wet, it shall be allowed to properly dry before being 
packed. 
“Free from damage” means that the pineapples 
shall not be injured to an extent readily apparent 
upon examination. Fruit having holes or “plugs” 
in base of core caused by improper harvesting are 
not free from damage. 
“Free from serious damage” means that the fruit 
Shall not be injured in such a way as to affect the 
keeping quality. 
UNITED STATES STANDARDS FOR PUERTO 
RICAN PINEAPPLES | 
(Effective Oct. 27, 1931) 
GRADES 
U.S. Fancy shall consist of pineapples of one variety 
which are mature, dry, and free from decay, bruising, 
sunscald, sunburn, gummosis, and from damage 
caused by disease, insects, rodents, mechanical, or 
other means. The fruit shall be firm, well formed, 
and eyes well developed. The butts shall be well 
trimmed, well cured, and free from damage by cracks. 
The tops shall be single and free from crown slips. 
The tops shall be of good green color, straight, well 
attached to the fruit, and not less than 5 inches in 
length nor more than one and one half times the 
length of the fruit. 
