Grading Guide: Cucumber sizes | packs | Illustrated criteria

Definitions of Criteria for USDA Fancy Cucumber

Characteristics of a USDA Fancy Cucumber:

Well Colored
Well Formed
Overgrown
  • Not less than three-fourths of the surface is medium green or darker
  • At least a light green color extends to the blossom end on one side
  • Practically straight and not more than very slightly constricted or more than moderately tapered or pointed
  • Has developed beyond the best stage for slicing
  • Usually yields to slight pressure of the thumb
  • Seeds may be tough and fibrous, and the pulp in the seed cavity is usually watery and jelly-like
  • Pithy streaks may be found in the flesh of the cucumber
Injury Caused by Scars
  • Scars aggregate more than the area of a circle three-eighths inch in diameter on a cucumber 6 inches in length or correspondingly greater areas of scars on larger cucumbers

Damage
  • Aggregate area exceeds a circle 1 in. (25 mm) in diameter
  • Any one of the following defects, or any combination of defects the seriousness of which exceed the maximum allowed for any one defect, shall be considered as damage
    		•
    Scars
    Cuts
    Bruises
    • When aggregating more than the area of a circle five-eighths inch in diameter on a cucumber 6 inches in length, or correspondingly smaller or greater areas of scars on smaller or larger cucumbers, respectively
    • Fresh and more than slight
    • When materially affecting the appearance of the cucumber, or when sack imprints affect an aggregate area greater than that of a circle 2 1/4 inches in diameter

    Created by C. Gunter and E. Maynard, Purdue University 2006. Based on US Standards for Grades of Cucumbers, 03-01-1958 as reprinted 01-1997. Page last revised 08-02-06.

    This project made possible by financial assistance from Indiana's Office of the Commissioner of Agriculture, Value-Added Research Grant Program.