Grades, Sizes, and Packaging
Fruit should have a diameter of 5 to 8 cm (2 to 3 in) for
purple and 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 in) for yellow. Smaller
fruit are normally placed in a lower grade. Skin color
should be full yellow or purple, unless a hybrid. The
fruit should be cleaned to remove dirt; surface stains;
and adhering calyx, leaf, or other tissue. The dried calyx
should be removed, as it is a source of decay. Fruit are
packed in 6 (13.2 lb) and 4.5 kg (9.9 lb) fiberboard cartons,
sometimes in one- or two-layer trays or cell packs. If the
stem is attached, care is needed in packing to avoid the
stem rubbing against the skin of other fruit in the carton.