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 Kernels | Minimum Diameter | Dissimilar | Doubles | Chips & Scratch | Foreign Material | Practicles & Dust | Split & Broken | Other Defects | Serious Defects | Under 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 & Broken | 30% | 20/64 UOS† | 5% | 35% | x | .2% | .1% | x | 5% | 3% | 5% |
| US No. 1 Pieces | x | 8/64 | x | x | x | .2% | 1% | x | 5% | 3% | 5% |
| Varieties/Sizes* | 18/20 | 20/22 | 23/25 | 25/27 | 27/30 | 30/32 | 32/34 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |