Detailed Explanation of Jujube Grading Standards: How to Grade Jujubes

Jujube fruit grading should be based on the quality and intended use of the jujubes, so as to meet the needs of different uses. Standards vary somewhat among different cultivars. Generally, jujube fruit grading can be divided into the following 4 grades.

Special grade Fruit weight more than 20% greater than the average for the cultivar, and the fruits are relatively uniform, with thick flesh and unwrinkled surface, pure color with no uneven coloration, no moldy or mushy rotten fruits, and mechanically damaged fruits and diseased/insect-damaged fruits less than 3%, with a moisture content less than 25%.

Grade 1 Single fruit should reach the average fruit weight or slightly above, fruits uniform, plump, with basically unwrinkled surface, pure color, no uneven coloration, no moldy or mushy rotten fruits, and mechanically damaged fruits and diseased/insect-damaged fruits less than 25%.

Grade 2 Single fruit weight slightly lower than that of the cultivar, not less than 10% below the average single fruit weight, flesh relatively thick, surface wrinkles relatively shallow, color pure, fruit color basically pure and uniform, no moldy or mushy rot, and mechanically damaged fruits and diseased/insect-damaged fruits less than 25%.

Grade 3 Single fruit weight more than 10% below the average fruit weight of the cultivar, flesh thin, wrinkles deep, fruit color yellowish, basically no moldy or mushy rot, and mechanically damaged fruits and diseased/insect-damaged fruits less than 25%.

Below-grade fruit Single fruit weight generally relatively small, flesh extremely thin, fruit color inconsistent, mostly small fruits, wrinkled fruits or mixed rotten and diseased/insect-damaged fruits.