How are frozen blueberries graded.

"Grade A" and "Grade B" appear on frozen blueberry specs all the time. Here's what they actually measure, and which one you need.

01The standard most of the trade uses

Frozen blueberries traded internationally are often described using the United States Standards for Grades of Frozen Blueberries, published by the USDA. It scores each lot out of 100 points across three quality factors, and the total score sets the grade.

02What gets scored

Defects include green (under-coloured) berries, cap stems and clusters, undeveloped or shrivelled berries, insect or disease damage, and extraneous material like leaves. Character is about texture and integrity: how many berries are crushed, broken or mushy.

03The grades

Low scores in one factor can cap the grade, however good the others are. For example, Grade A allows up to 6% crushed, mushy or broken berries by weight, and Grade B up to 10%.

04Which grade do you need?

Grade A suits uses where berries are seen whole: bowl toppings, desserts, garnishes and premium retail. Grade B is ideal where berries are blended, baked or cooked: smoothies, muffins, sauces and manufacturing. You get the same flavour at a better price, because minor visual defects disappear in the recipe.

05Highbush vs wild

Highbush blueberries are cultivated varieties with larger berries. They're what Australia grows commercially, with the NSW north coast around Coffs Harbour a major growing region. Wild or lowbush blueberries are smaller berries harvested mainly in north-eastern North America, prized for an intense flavour and colour. Both are sold frozen.

We supply IQF whole blueberries in A or B grade, so you can match the grade to the job.