WAC 16-409-022   Asparagus grades.  (1) The following table identifies and describes the asparagus grades used in Washington state:

Washington Asparagus Grades:
Stalk Characteristics:		"Extra Fancy Grade Asparagus"	"Extra Fancy Grade Asparagus Tips"	"Fancy Grade Asparagus"	"Consumer Pack Asparagus"	"Culls"
Stalks must be:
(a)	Clean;	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
(b)	Fresh;	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
(c)	Fairly uniform in length;	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
(d)	Well trimmed;	Yes	Yes	No	No	No
(e)	Fairly well trimmed;	No	No	Yes	Yes	No
(f)	Fairly straight;	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	No
(g)	Not wilted;	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
(h)	Not badly misshapen;	No	No	Yes	No	No
(i)	Free from decay;	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
(j)	Free from damage caused by spreading or broken tips, dirt, disease, insects, or mechanical or other means;	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
(k)	At least eighty-five percent green in color;	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	No
(l)	All green.	No	Yes	No	No	No

     (2) "Culls" describes asparagus that:

     (a) Is not graded in conformity with Washington extra fancy, Washington extra fancy tips, Washington fancy, Washington consumer pack, or U.S. No. 1, or U.S. No. 2; and

     (b) Must not be marketed if more than ten percent by count of the stalks show white in excess of two inches.



[Statutory Authority: Chapters 15.17 and 34.05 RCW. 07-06-047, § 16-409-022, filed 3/1/07, effective 4/1/07; 05-10-092, § 16-409-022, filed 5/4/05, effective 6/4/05.]