Broccoli Master - Sakata Vegetables

U.S. Grade Standards – Processed/Frozen BroccoliUSDA Grades – Processed/Frozen BroccoliU.S. No. 1Consists of stalks or portions of stalks of broccoli which are fresh, tender, and have goodcharacteristic color and compact heads, are well trimmed and which are free from decayand cull material, and are free from damage caused by discoloration, freezing, hollowstem or pithiness, scars, dirt or other foreign material, disease, insects or mechanical orother means.U.S. No. 2Consists of stalks or portions of stalks of broccoli which are fresh, tender, and have goodcharacteristic color and fairly compact heads, are fairly well trimmed and which arefree from decay and cull material and free from damage caused by scars, dirt or otherforeign material, disease, insects, are free from serious damage caused by discoloration,freezing, hollow stem or pithiness or mechanical or other means. (a) Unless otherwisespecified, the length shall be not more than 6 inches nor less than 3 inches, the diameterof the stem shall be not less than 1/4-inch.Basis for Grading Processed/Frozen Broccoli(A) Large stalks of broccoli shall be cut lengthwise into halves or quarters toremovedefective portions. A proportionate ratio of head material to stem materialmust be maintained in each segment.(B) Stalks with heads smaller than 1 inch in diameter shall not be cut, but shall begraded as one unit.Typical PackagingCrown Cuts 20 lb box, bulk34, 38 and 42 countBunchesFloretsFresh-CutsSpearBroccoliCole Slaw23 lb carton, 14 and 18 count9 to 18 lb, cello bags packed in carton8 oz and 1 lb retail packs(2 inches or less) 3 lbcello bags for foodservice10, 15 and 20 lb loose packed cartons8 oz, 1 lb and 5 lb bags (shreddedbroccoli, red cabbage and carrots)• Iceless broccoli is usually available from most shippers orbrokers, but may require special ordering. Some suppliersalso offer shrink-wrapped product.• Products made with broccoli stalks are also available andmay include: diced, coin-cut and shredded.Broccoli Handling and Storage ConditionsTemperature 32°F, 0°CRelative Humidity 95-100%MistLightly (Unpackaged Product)Typical Shelf Life Bunched – 10 to 14 DaysPackaged – 14 to 16 DaysEthylene Sensitive (note 1)Freeze Injury Moderately Sensitive (note 2)Soaking in cold water can revive slightly wilted broccoli.Notes:1. Do not store or transport ethylene sensitive items with commoditiesthat produce ethylene.2. Broccoli can recover from one or two nights of light freezing.6