Grading of Fruit and Vegetables. 



i53 



Brussels sprouts the principal point is to see that each sample is 

 uniform and in the best condition, which is largely a question of 

 care in gathering. For ordinary markets the two first named 

 must be large and with solid hearts ; for special sale and for 

 sending direct to consumers a smaller size, but possessing all 

 the other essential characters, is often preferable. Brussels 

 sprouts should always be sorted into two grades, all the firmest 

 and most compact into one, and the looser, rougher sprouts 

 into another ; the increased price of the first will pay for this in 

 the majority of cases. To cauliflowers and broccoli similar 

 remarks apply ; the most even and whitest heads constitute the 

 first grade, the rougher and discoloured the second. As with 

 cabbages, large heads are required in general markets, but for 

 the best sales moderate-sized perfect samples are the most 

 satisfactory. 



Other vegetables or similar crops pay for attention in the 

 same way. Rhubarb can be classed in two grades, the longest, 

 straightest and best coloured forming No. 1 bundles. Celery 

 may be divided into two or three grades, the heaviest and most 

 solid in bundles for salad, the others loose for soups. 

 Asparagus, too, should be placed in two or three grades, 

 according to the length, substance and blanching ; the smallest 

 (Sprue) for soups; all the best in bundles of 25, 50, or 100, the 

 last in larger numbers. Seakale can also be sorted, the best 

 grown and whitest in bundles set upright in baskets. 



Tomatoes demand the greatest care in sorting ; two, three, and 

 even four grades may be formed. The best in boxes or shallow 

 baskets. The most even and brightest coloured fruits take the 

 lead ; there is a special demand for the largest handsome fruits 

 in some markets, but the principal general sale is for good even- 

 shaped, moderate-sized, uniform samples. Cucumbers are 

 graded into two or three sizes ; and vegetable marrows are ahso 

 sorted, but in some places large specimens of the latter are most 

 in demand, while in others a medium size is chiefly required. 



Salading, like lettuces and endive, can occasionally be 

 separated into two grades, according to the solidity and 

 blanching of their hearts, but as a rule a uniform sample of 

 one value is preferable, to be regulated by the gathering. 

 Amongst many miscellaneous crops that cannot be particularised 



