THE SELECT HARVEST FAMILY

Select Harvest U.S.A. represents a premium pack established for the visually sensitive markets in 2008. We worked to establish a quality standard that goes beyond USDA grading standards. Incorporating criteria on the none scorable chip and scratch and limiting the chip and scratch score to a maximum of 3%, Select Harvest is a brand you can rely on to have consistent high quality on each and every pallet.

Select Harvest is the largest independent in-shell packer in the state of California. State-of-the-art packing technology and strict quality control programs ensure nothing but the highest quality in-shell almonds are distributed. With a grower base throughout the state of California, Select Harvest can provide in-shell product in any variety of California almonds.

Select Harvest supplies quality almonds to industrial users, confectioners, and retailers. From its processing plant nestled among orchards in California's fertile San Joaquin Valley, the Turlock-based processor ships products to domestic and international destinations.

USDA GRADING PARAMETERS

DISSIMILAR

Typically used for whole almond applications or for further processing such as blanching and roasting.

DOUBLES

Two kernels developing in one shell. One side of a double kernel is flat or concave.

CHIP & SCRATCH

Loss of kernel skin as a result of mechanical processing. Greater than 1/8” (3.2mm) in diameter, it is defined as injury; if affecting, in aggregate, greater than 1/4” (6.4mm) in diameter, it is defined as a defect.

FOREIGN MATERIAL

Pieces of shell, hulls, or other foreign matter that will not pass through a round-opening screen measuring 8/64” (3.2mm) in diameter.

PARTICLES & DUST

Fragments of almond kernels or other material that will pass through a round-opening screen measuring 8/64” (3.2mm) in diameter.

SPLIT & BROKEN

Seven-eighths or less of complete whole kernels that will not pass through a round-opening screen measuring 8/64” (3.2mm) in diameter.

OTHER DEFECTS

Any defect that materially detracts from the appearance of the individual kernel or the edible or shipping quality of the almonds. The defects include gum, shrivel, brown spot and discolored.

SERIOUS DEFECTS

Any defect that makes a kernel or piece of kernel unsuitable (includes decay, rancidity, insect iinjury, and damage by mold).

FORMS

WHOLE NATURAL OR BLANCHED

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS
USDA grades for natural almonds; processor or customer specifications for blanched almonds

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Natural, roasted or flavored snacks Embedded or enrobed in chocolate Ingredients for confectionery, energy bars, bakery Inputs for processing

SLICED NATURAL OR BLANCHED

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS THICKNESS
Thick: 1.5-1.8 mm
Regular: 1.1-1.4 mm
Thin: 0.7-1.0 mm
Extra Thin: 0.5-0.7 mm

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Topping for salads
Ingredient for cereal
Coating for savory dishes
Garnishing for baked goods, desserts

SLIVERED BLANCHED

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS THICKNESS
Regular: 3.0-5.0 mm
Medium: 4.0-6.0 mm

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Roasted or flavored snacks Ingredient for baked goods, cereal Texture for confectionery Topping for prepared foods

DICED NATURAL OR BLANCHED

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS
Large: 28/18......28/64” & 18/64” (11.1 & 7.1 mm) Medium: 22/8....22/64” & 8/64” (8.7 & 3.2 mm) Small: 12/8........12/64” & 8/64” (4.8 & 3.2 mm) Fine: 8/0............ 8/64” (3.2 mm)

TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Topping for dairy items
Coating for ice cream bars
Filling for bakery or confectionery
Crust for meats, seafood

MEAL OR FLOUR NATURAL OR BLANCHED

COMMON SPECIFICATIONS
Coarse ground
Fine ground
(Grinders and screens determine particle size)
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Sauce thickener Ingredient filling for confectionery Flavor enhancer in bakery Coating for fried foods

USDA GRADES

US FANCY
US EXTRA NO. 1
US NO. 1 (Supreme)*
US SELECT SHELLER RUN
US STANDARD SHELLER RUN
US NO. 1 WHOLE & BROKEN
US NO. 1 PIECES
Whole KernelsMinimum DiameterDissimilarDoublesChips & ScratchForeign MaterialPracticles & DustSplit & BrokenOther DefectsSerious DefectsUnder Size
US Fancy--5%3%5%.05%.1%1%2%1%-
Select Harvest Extra No. 1--5%3%3%.05%.1%1%2%1%-
US Extra No. 1--5%5%5%.05%.1%1%4%1.5%-
US No. 1 (Supreme)*--5%15%10%.05%.1%1%5%1.5%-
US Select Sheller Run--5%15%20%.1%.1%5%3%2%-
US Standard Sheller Run--5%25%35%.2%.1%15%3%2%-
US No. 1 Whole & Broken30%20/64
UOS†
5%35%x.2%.1%x5%3%5%
US No. 1 Piecesx8/64xxx.2%1%x5%3%5%
Varieties/Sizes*18/2020/2223/2525/2727/3030/3232/34

ALDRICH

CLASSIFICATION
California Type, Carmel Type
SHELL
Soft shell, good shell integrity, fair suture opening
NUT
Medium, narrow shape, slightly wrinkled surface

BUTTE

CLASSIFICATION
California type, Mission type
SHELL
Semi-hard shell, light color, smooth surface, low suture opening
NUT
Small, short plump shape, wrinkled surface

CARMEL

CLASSIFICATION
California type
SHELL
Soft shell, good shell integrity, fair suture opening
NUT
Medium, narrow shape, slightly wrinkled surface

FRITZ

CLASSIFICATION
California type, Mission type
SHELL
Semi-hard shell, good shell integrity, low suture opening
NUT
Small, medium plump shape, fairly wrinkled surface

INDEPENDENCE

CLASSIFICATION
Nonpareil Type, California Type
SHELL
Soft shell, light color, high suture opening
NUT
Medium, flat shape, smooth surface

MISSION

CLASSIFICATION
Mission type
SHELL
Hard shell, good shell integrity, no suture opening
NUT
Small, short wide shape, dark brown, deeply wrinkled surface

MONTEREY

CLASSIFICATION
California type
SHELL
Hard shell, smooth surface low suture opening
NUT
Large, long narrow shape, deeply wrinkled surface

NONPAREIL

CLASSIFICATION
Nonpareil
SHELL
Soft shell, light color, high suture opening
NUT
Medium, flat shape, smooth surface

PADRE

CLASSIFICATION
California type, Mission type
SHELL
Hard shell, good shell integrity, no suture opening
NUT
Small, short wide shape, wrinkled surface

PRICE

CLASSIFICATION
California type
SHELL
Soft shell, dark brown color, rough surface, high suture opening
NUT
Small, short narrow shape, fairly wrinkled surface

SONORA

CLASSIFICATION
California type
SHELL
Soft shell, dark brown color, rough surface, high suture opening
NUT
Large, long narrow shape, light color, smooth surface